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Groundwater recharge remains below normal as drought persists

FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

A lack of significant groundwater recharge is keeping Hopkinton in critical drought status.

“Unfortunately, not much has changed since last fall,” said Water-Sewer manager Eric Carty.

Despite some storms that have brought rain to the region in recent weeks, conditions have not improved, Carty explained. He said that a moderate winter resulted in between 8-10 inches of snow and “probably an inch of rain,” but the region was unable to capitalize on all that moisture.

According to the Department of Public Works, heavy frost and reduced spring melt and precipitation have resulted in less groundwater recharge. As a result, the town enacted mandatory water conservation measures beginning April 1.

The town is required by the state to put water conservation measures into place annually, though that period does not begin until the beginning of May.

“Because the rainwater hasn’t recharged, we had to start right off the bat,” Carty said.

He also noted that well monitoring on Fruit Street has groundwater levels 3 feet below normal for this time of year. This continued lack of recharge means an extended recovery time for the town’s wells.

“It takes a while to get into drought and it takes a while to get out of drought,” said Carty.

He recommended residents comply with the water restrictions and save water according to the town’s recommendations. He further discouraged lawn watering, which uses up the most water, until the restrictions are lifted.

More information can be found on the town’s website.

Latest News

The School Committee sat down with the two finalists in the new superintendent search to conduct their final 90-minute interviews.

Town meetings tonight include the Appropriation Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Teammates assist Ava Jeye during the Hopkinton Special Olympics basketball game against the Hopkinton Police Department at Hopkinton High School on Sunday.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO