Stoughton Drought Management Plan Released

While the amount of rainfall has increased as of late, after a winter and spring with little precipitation, the Town of Stoughton is preparing for the possibility of a long, hot summer, and with it, the possibility of a drought.

As a result, Selectmen on May 1 , initiating Phase 1, which is a “voluntary watering ban," asking residents to minimize the use of outdoor water.

The Stoughton Department of Public Works released the Drought Management Plan in full. It is posted below. Again, only Phase I, a voluntary ban, is in effect.

Town of Stoughton Drought Management Plan

The Town of Stoughton derives approximately seventy percent of the towns drinking water from six gravel packed wells and one tubular well. The additional thirty percent of the drinking water is purchased from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, (MWRA).

The MWRA closely monitors both the water levels in their reservoirs and rainfall. Based on the historical data that they have reviewed, they have designed a Drought Management Plan. The multi-phased plan has been reviewed and accepted by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, (DEP).

The Water Division of the Stoughton Public Works Department maintains daily records of either static or operating well levels based on the operating conditions of each well.

DEP has designed a statewide program that addresses drought conditions and the resulting actions required by each Drinking Water System based on state-wide and/or regional conditions.

Phase I - Voluntary Watering Ban

After review by the Board of Selectmen, acting as Water Commissioners, a request will be made of the Stoughton Water System Consumers to minimize outdoor watering.

Phase II - Partial Watering Ban

After review by the Board of Selectmen, acting as Water Commissioners, a request will be made by the Stoughton Water Division to enact the following conditions for outdoor watering.

Outdoor watering will be allowed during the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. in the mornings, and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the evenings. Watering of lawns and other vegetation will be allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only.

Washing of motor vehicles is prohibited.

Those that utilize a private well will be required to place a placard in front of their property stating “Watering with a private well” or some type of verbiage indicating that the irrigationwater is from a private well. The placard must be placed in a conspicuous area that can be seen from the street.

Enforcement – Properties observed by Stoughton Public Works employees and/or Stoughton Police officers will be noted and the list of offenders supplied to the Stoughton Public Works Department. Written notification of violations shall be mailed or hand delivered to the offending address. A list of offenders will be maintained by the Stoughton Public Works Department.

Penalties:

• First offense - Written Warning
• Second offense - $50 
• Third Offense - $100
• Fourth Offense - $100 and termination of water service

Phase III - Total Watering Ban

After review by the Board of Selectmen, acting as Water Commissioners, a request will be made by the Stoughton Water Division to enact the following conditions for outdoor watering. Outdoor watering will not be allowed at any time.

The following restrictions on the use of municipal water shall be in effect;

• Washing of motor vehicles is prohibited.
• No Watering of flowers
• No Watering of bushes or shrubs
• No watering of lawns
• The use of hand held hoses is prohibited
• The use of automated sprinklers is prohibited
• No filling or topping off swimming pools

Exception: Vegetable Gardens may be watered using hand carried watering cans.

Those that utilize a private well will be required to place a placard in front of their property stating “Watering with a private well” or some type of verbiage indicating that the irrigation water is from a private well. The placard must be placed in a conspicuous area that can be seen from the street.

Enforcement – Properties observed by Stoughton Public Works employees and/or Stoughton Police officers will be noted and the list of offenders supplied to the Stoughton Public Works Department. Written notification of violations shall be mailed or hand delivered to the offending address. A list of offenders will be maintained by the Stoughton Public Works Department.

Penalties:

• First offense - Written Warning
• Second offense - $50 
• Third Offense - $100
• Fourth Offense - $100 and termination of water service