Editor’s note: Following is a notice from the town’s Water and Sewer Department.

We are mandated by the town’s water management permit issued by the state to limit nonessential outdoor use, to protect stream flow and aquatic life, and ensure sustainable drinking water. The town is required to implement a MANDATORY State of Water Supply Conservation from May 1 through September 30 each year, pursuant to the town’s water use restriction bylaw. Under Chapter 199-6, Section F: Lawn sprinklers may be used for lawn watering two days per week outside of the hours of 7 a.m.-7 p.m.. All other outdoor non-essential use is permitted daily outside the hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. People residing in Precincts 1 and 3 may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Precincts 2 and 4 may water on Wednesday and Fridays. There shall be no lawn watering on Saturdays, Sundays or Mondays. This only applies to those water services connected to the municipal water system.

A normal lawn only needs about 1 inch of water per week. If rain is expected or has just occurred, then your system should be shut off for the remainder of the week in order to avoid unnecessary and wasteful water use. You should check to ensure that your system is not dispensing more than what is needed during a dry week as well. Due to the twice-per-week restriction, the common belief is the sprinkler system needs to run for extended hours to maintain a green lawn, which is not the case. Your irrigation company can set your sprinklers to maintain the minimum amount required. It is only with each individual water user’s diligence toward efficient water use that we will be able to maintain safe water levels for drinking and fire protection in case of prolonged drought. Please plan accordingly if you are trying to establish a new lawn so that you may comply with these regulations.

The following are the penalties for non-compliance with the town’s water use restriction bylaw. Any person violating this bylaw shall receive a written warning for the first offense. For the second offense, any person violating this bylaw shall be liable to the town in the amount of $100. For any violations beyond the second offense, water service may be suspended. Fines shall be recovered by inclusion as a charge on the next scheduled water bill.

The Water Department will be keeping users apprised of the current restriction through several methods. There are signs located throughout town at the following locations.

Location of Water Use Restriction Signs
Main Street, at Exxon
West Main at Wood Street westbound
Wood Street at Westborough line eastbound
Pond Street and Spring Street intersection
South Street and West Main Street intersection westbound
Main Street at Pleasant Street eastbound
West Main Street at School Street westbound
Ash Street at Park Street southbound
Hayden Rowe Street at tennis courts southbound
Hayden Rowe Street at Chestnut Street northbound
East Main Street at TJ’S westbound

We will also be utilizing the town websites, newspapers, cable TV and the CodeRed phone call system for emergencies. You can also follow us on Twitter @hopkintonwater for instant department updates. In addition, you can subscribe to our notice feed here: groups.google.com/a/hopkintonma.gov/g/watersewer to receive up-to-date information via email.

For a listing of your precinct, please go to: hopkintonma.gov/departments/town_clerk/election_information.php

For tips on minimizing water use outdoors, please visit our website at hopkintonma.gov.

If you would like to know if rain is on the way or how much rain we received so you can shut your systems off, you can follow @hopkintonWX on Twitter or check the weather station readings at hopkintonwx.com (click on weather station).

We thank you for your cooperation in helping to preserve our most important natural resource!