Water Use Restrictions

Resolution

Water Use Restriction

Whereas The Board of Selectmen has determined that a shortage of water exists and conservation measures are necessary to ensure an adequate supply of water to all water consumers, and

Whereas The conditions set forth in the Water Management Act Permit #9P4-2-12-271.01 require seasonal limits on nonessential outdoor water use, and

Whereas The Board of Selectmen is empowered under Article 18 of the General By-Laws of the Town of Shrewsbury to take action to ensure an adequate supply of water to all water consumers, therefore be it resolved:

1. Pursuant to Article 18, Section 4 of the General By-Laws of the Town of Shrewsbury the following water conservation measures are hereby implemented:

Outdoor Watering Hours

Nonessential outdoor watering hours are restricted to before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM.

Outdoor Use of Water Restrictions

Based upon the street address number nonessential outdoor water use is allowed:

• Even numbered addresses may engage in nonessential outdoor water use on Wednesdays and Saturdays only.
• Odd numbered addresses may engage in nonessential outdoor water use on Thursdays and Sundays only.

There is no nonessential outdoor use of water on Monday, Tuesday and Friday

Nonessential outdoor water uses that are subject to mandatory restrictions include:

• Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems;
• Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety; and
• Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.

The following uses may be allowed when these mandatory restrictions are in place before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM:

• Irrigation to establish a new lawn and new plantings during the months of May and September.
• Irrigation of public parks and recreational fields by means of automatic sprinklers outside the hours; and
• Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose.

2. The Board of Selectmen calls upon all water users to conserve water whenever possible and to observe the above listed water restriction.

3. The Board of Selectmen determines that for the period of time that this State of a Water Supply Conservation is in effect that enforcement of the provisions of Article 18 of the General By-Laws of the Town of Shrewsbury shall be pursuant to General Laws Chapter 40, Section 21D which provides for non-criminal disposition.

4. These restrictions are effective May 1, 2023, and will end on September 30, 2023.

5. Under Article 18 General By-Laws, Town of Shrewsbury, Section 4, Water Use Restrictions, the following fine structure is in place for violations for the water use restrictions.

1) First Offense in Calendar Year - Warning

2) Second Offense in Calendar Year - $50.00

3) Third Offense in Calendar Year - $100.00

4) Fourth and subsequent offenses in Calendar Year - $200.00

and turn off of water service

Reconnection Fee - $50.00

6. Many items can be found to minimize outdoor water usage and maximize water efficiency around your home at the following EPA website. www.epa.gov/watersense

Click here for the 2023 Water Use Restrictions.