Following four continuous months of exceptionally dry weather, the Commonwealth Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has declared a Drought Watch for Central and Northeastern Massachusetts. This significant step is an escalation from the drought advisory that has been in effect.
In response, the Town of Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen have proactively implemented additional emergency water use restrictions in order to protect our water supply. Effective immediately, these restrictions are in addition to, and supersede, the prior restrictions that have been in effect since April. These restrictions will remain in effect until September 30, 2016, or until rescinded.
Effective immediately all lawn watering is banned. This includes use of automatic or manual lawn sprinklers or sprinkler systems and all hand-held watering. The use of hand-held devices is allowed for watering vegetable or flower gardens, shrubbery and trees. However, this watering must follow the existing daily/weekly schedule as outlined in the restrictions implemented April 16.
Also effective immediately all filling and topping off of swimming pools is banned. This includes the filling of new pools, and the adding of more than two inches of water to existing filled pools. The usage of children’s wading pools will be allowed.
These drastic measures must be implemented to protect our drinking water. The Board of Selectmen call upon all residents to conserve water wherever possible, and to observe all water restrictions. For the full text of the resolution, please click on the link provided.
We thank you for your cooperation during this time. Please contact the Shrewsbury Water Department at 841-8506 with any issues, comments or concerns.