Water restrictions announced

The state of Massachusetts is currently in drought, with Dartmouth being in a “Significant drought.”

The scale goes from zero, or normal, to four, emergency drought. A significant drought is a Level two drought. 

The Department of Public Works stated that residents should not water their lawns from May 30 through September 1 from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. Exemptions include newly planted lawns, irrigation by a handheld hose and businesses that have water as a core functioning component. 

Employees will be checking, and giving a warning for the first incident. The second offense is a fee of $50. Every following time will have an additional $50 added, so $100 for the third offense and $150 for the third. Public Works has the right to terminate services for repeat offenders.

These measures also protect the drinking water levels and natural resources such as rivers. 

For any questions, call the Dartmouth Water Division office at 508-999-0742 or the Southeast Region of DEP at 508-946-2700.