July 27, 2022 Update: As we continue to experience a prolonged period of high temperatures and very little precipitation, the drought conditions for our area are worsening. On July 21, 2022, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card declared a Level 3-Critical Drought in the central region of the state, which includes Shrewsbury. Due to these conditions, the Town of Shrewsbury has implemented additional water use restrictions effective on July 27, 2022.
The additional restrictions include:
- Filling and Topping off of Swimming Pools Ban: Filling of swimming pools or adding more than two inches of water to an existing filled pool is prohibited. Usage of children’s wading pools is allowed.
- Lawn Sprinkler Use Ban: The use of automatic or manual lawn sprinkler or sprinkler systems is prohibited. Outdoor watering via hand held device is allowed for vegetable and flower gardens, shrubbery, trees, and lawn areas.
The Shrewsbury water system continues to be reliable and is meeting the current demands of the Town. The Shrewsbury Water and Sewer Division is closely monitoring the drought conditions in the region and will send out additional updates as mandatory water use restrictions change.
If you have any questions, please email Water and Sewer Superintendent Dan Rowley at drowley@shrewsburyma.gov.
Please conserve water as much as possible.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seasonal Water Use Restrictions - Updated on July 27, 2022
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 Board of Selectmen adopted initial water use restrictions that are now in effect on April 12, 2022, but the Board now determines that additional restrictions are now required, 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 following additional water conservation measures are hereby implemented:
Filling and Topping off of Swimming Pools Ban: Filling of swimming pools or adding more than two inches of water to an existing filled pool is prohibited. Usage of children’s wading pools is allowed.
Lawn Sprinkler Use Ban: The use of automatic or manual lawn sprinkler or sprinkler systems is prohibited. Outdoor watering via hand held device is allowed for vegetable and flower gardens, shrubbery, trees, and lawn areas.
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 July 27, 2022, and will end on September 30, 2022.
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.
- First Offense in Calendar Year - Warning
- Second Offense in Calendar Year - $50.00
- Third Offense in Calendar Year - $100.00
- 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 July 27, 2022 Updated Water Use Restrictions
Click here for the 2022 Water Use Restrictions.