The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has mandated seasonal limits on nonessential outdoor water use and new water use restrictions to all water suppliers across the state.

The restrictions require that no nonessential watering be permitted during 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Board of Public Works will require this from May 1st through September 30th. Nonessential watering subject to the restrictions includes irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems, washing of vehicles, except in a commercial carwash or as necessary for operator safety, and washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks. Exemptions include new lawns and plantings during the month of May and September, watering lawns, gardens, flowers and plants by a hand-held hose, and businesses that require water use as a core function of the business.

The Dartmouth Board of Public Works has instituted a fine schedule, which will address offenders of these new DEP requirements. The first offense shall be a written warning. The second offense shall be a $50 fine; each additional offense shall be $50.00 more than the previous offense. The Board of Public Works also reserves the right to terminate a service for habitual offenders.

The DEP has stipulated within our permit that the need to limit water use is to ensure a sustainable drinking water supply and to protect natural resources and stream flow for aquatic life. All users of water should limit their nonessential water use through the year by implementing practices such as capturing rain in rain barrels, hand watering, using car washes that recycle water, installing low-flow water fixtures, and limiting lawn surfaces. The Water Division asks you take the steps to assure you comply with these new regulations.

Any questions related to these new restrictions can be addressed by calling the Dartmouth Water Division office at (508) 999-0742 or the Southeast Region of DEP at (508) 946-2700.

You can find information at mass.gov.