Concord: Reduce Water Usage To Avoid Mandatory Restrictions

CONCORD, MA — Concord is warning residents to be mindful about their water usage as summer temperatures settle in. The town is trying to push off the possibility of mandatory 1-day per week lawn watering restrictions.

"Your individual effort is imperative in ensuring that our water demand does not exceed our available supply," the town wrote in a notice to the community.

Concord Public Works is monitoring customer demand and available water supply around the clock and the town said the department will provide additional information as it becomes available. Until the town sees a significant change in the prevailing weather, the water supply and demand situation will remain tenuous, the town said.

Here are some ways the town outlined residents can use water responsibly:

• Only water your lawn 1-day or 1-inch per week
• Water before the sun comes up when temperatures and wind speed are at their lowest
• Set your mower blades to 2-3 inches high. Taller grass shades roots and retains moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn
• Use a rain barrel to collect precipitation that can later be used for hand watering your flower garden or your favorite tree
• Apply mulch around shrubs and flower beds to reduce evaporation, promote plant growth and control weeds.