Water Restrictions Go Into Effect Friday in Marlborough

Marlborough's , Ron LaFreniere announced recently that effective Friday, Aug. 12, all non-essential outdoor water uses are prohibited by the city until further notice, said a release. 

Non-essential use includes the irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or irrigation systems; the washing of vehicles, except for commercial operations and where needed for the sake of vehicle operator safety; the washing of building exteriors is also prohibited, as is the washing of parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary in construction or to apply required treatments. 

"These restrictions on non-essential outdoor water uses are a condition of the city’s state-issued Water Management Act permit from MassDEP and the Streamflow Triggered Restrictions therein," said the release. 

There are several permitted water uses during this time, and they include irrigation of new lawns and plantings, irrigation of public parks and recreation fields by means of automatic sprinklers outside the hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Also permitted is the irrigation of lawns and gardens by a handheld hose. 

Water uses that aren't subject to any restrictions by the city include those related to "health and safety, as well as by regulation; For the production of food and fiber; For the maintenance of livestock; or to meet the core functions of a business (for example, irrigation by golf courses as necessary to maintain tees, greens, and limited fairway watering, or irrigation by plant nurseries as necessary to maintain stock."

Reasons for these restrictions are often due water table levels, though Marlborough has received ample rain in recent weeks. 

Check back with Marlborough Patch on Friday for comment from the Public Works Department. 

Residents and business owners with questions on these restrictions should contact the Department of Public Works at 508-624-6910 x7100 or through the department’s e-mail at dpw@marlborough-ma.gov. 

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