Annual Water Use Restrictions

 TOWN OF HOPKINTON 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 

WATER/SEWER DIVISION 

85 WOOD STREET 

P.O. BOX 171 

HOPKINTON, MA 01748 

Phone 508-497-9765 

Fax 508-497-9767 

@hopkintonwater 

We are required by the town’s water management permit with the State, to limit nonessential outdoor use, to protect stream flow, aquatic life and ensure sustainable drinking water. The town is required to implement a MANDATORY State of Water Supply Conservation from May 1st , through September 30th each year, pursuant to the town’s water use restriction by-law. Under chapter 199-6 Section F; Lawn sprinklers may be used for lawn watering up to two days per week, outside of the hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. All other non-essential use is permitted daily outside the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. People residing in precinct one and three may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Precincts two and four may water on Wednesday and Fridays. There shall be no lawn watering on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. This only applies to those water services connected to the municipal water system. 

This March was the driest ever recorded since weather records started being kept over 100 years ago. That means we are already starting the watering season at a major deficit. We are currently down almost 8” of rain since January and the State has declared a severe drought. April is shaping up to be the second warmest ever and has brought us the same dry conditions with only one big storm that provided only temporary relief. It is imperative that everyone who has an automatic sprinkler system ensure that it is set for only the minimum that is required for their grass and other landscape needs. A normal lawn only needs about 1” of water per week. If rain is expected, or has just occurred then your system should be shut off for the remainder of the week in order to avoid unnecessary and wasteful water use. You should check to ensure that your system in not dispensing more then what is needed during a dry week as well. Due to the twice per week restriction, the common belief is the sprinkler system needs to run for extended hours to maintain a green lawn, which is not the case. Your irrigation company can set your sprinklers to maintain the minimum amount required. It is only with each individual water user’s diligence toward efficient water use, that we will be able to maintain safe water levels for drinking and fire protection in case of prolonged drought. Please plan accordingly if you are trying to establish a new lawn, so that you may comply with these regulations. Automatic sprinkler use for establish a new law is only permitted in the months of May and September. 

The following are the penalties for non-compliance with the Town’s water use restriction by-law. Any person violating this by-law shall receive a written warning for the first offense. For the second offense, any person violating this By-law shall be liable to the Town in the amount of $100.00. For any violations beyond the second offense, water service may be suspended. Fines shall be recovered by inclusion as a charge on the next scheduled water bill. 

The Water Department will be keeping users apprised of the current restriction through several methods. There are signs located at the following locations. 

Location of Water Use Restriction Signs 

1. Main St. @ Exxon 

2. West Main @ Wood St. West Bound 

3. Wood St. @ Westboro Line East Bound 

4. Pond & Spring Intersection 

5. South & West Main Intersection West Bound 

6. West Main @ Pleasant East Bound 

7. West Main @ School West Bound 

8. Ash @ Park South Bound 

9. Hayden Rowe @ Tennis Courts South Bound 

10. Hayden Rowe @ Chestnut North Bound 

11. East Main St. @ TJ’S West Bound 

We will also be utilizing the town websites, newspapers, cable TV and the CodeRed phone call system for emergencies. You can also follow us on Twitter @hopkintonwater for instant department updates. In addition you can subscribe to our notice feed here: http://www.hopkintonma.gov/home/about/follow 

For a listing of your precinct please go to: http://www.hopkinton.org/clerk/street.htm 

For tips on minimizing water use outdoors, please visit our web site @ http://www.hopkinton.org/water/conservation.htm 

We thank you for your cooperation in helping to preserve our most important natural resource!