The Water-Sewer Department is reminding residents to be mindful of water restrictions after increased water usage in town.
“We have seen a dramatic increase in water use over the past several days,” Water-Sewer Manager Eric Carty stated in a notice to residents Tuesday.
Carty went on to note that although groundwater levels improved in May, those numbers have dropped back to lower levels, further limiting the town’s existing water supply.
“We have had to increase well pumping hours, which exacerbates the issue, to try and keep up with demands,” Carty stated.
As a result, Carty reminded residents to discontinue any lawn watering and non-essential water use while water restrictions remain active.
The town enacted a mandatory state of water supply conservation back in April. Under the restriction, non-essential water use may be subject to written warnings and fines, with continued violations potentially resulting in suspension of water service.
Non-essential uses prohibited by the restriction include lawn watering, vehicle washing, pool filling and more. Residents are allowed to hand water gardens, use water for “core function of a commercial business” and for food production and livestock.
More information about the town’s water restrictions can be found on the town’s website.
Subject: A Measured Approach to Water Management in Hopkinton: Beyond Blanket Restrictions
To the Editor,
I am writing in response to the recent article, “Residents warned about water restrictions as groundwater levels fall.” I appreciate the Hopkinton Independent’s commitment to informing our community about local environmental concerns and the efforts of our Water-Sewer Department. However, I believe it’s crucial to offer a broader, more nuanced perspective on water management in Hopkinton, particularly when considering the implementation and continuation of widespread restrictions.
The article rightly points to observed decreases in local groundwater levels, and the increase in well pumping hours, which certainly warrants attention. We understand that our town relies primarily on eight groundwater wells and supplementary water purchased from Ashland. The recent notice highlights that while groundwater levels saw some improvement in May, they have since dropped again, leading to increased well pumping to meet demand. This dynamic, especially during periods of high demand like the current heatwave, can indeed stress our local aquifer system.
However, it is equally important to acknowledge that mainland Massachusetts, including Hopkinton, is currently not experiencing a regional drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor, a widely recognized authority, consistently shows our region as free from significant drought classifications. While localized conditions in Hopkinton’s specific aquifer systems may be experiencing a decline, this does not necessarily reflect a broader, statewide water crisis demanding the current level of universal restrictions.
This distinction between localized groundwater concerns and the broader absence of regional drought raises important questions about the necessity and scope of blanket water restrictions in Hopkinton. While we must be diligent in managing our local resources, imposing town-wide restrictions on non-essential water use, such as lawn watering, when the broader meteorological conditions are not indicative of drought, warrants further discussion.
Instead of solely relying on immediate, widespread restrictions that can impact daily life and local businesses, I would advocate for a multi-pronged, more targeted approach that considers Hopkinton’s unique water challenges and ongoing initiatives:
* Precise Data Analysis and Public Transparency: While we are told groundwater levels are falling, it would be highly beneficial for residents to see more specific, historical data for Hopkinton’s wells and aquifers. Understanding the typical seasonal fluctuations and the degree of the current decline in context would help residents better grasp the severity and localized scope of the issue.
* Targeted Solutions for Localized Issues and Infrastructure: If specific wells or aquifer zones are indeed facing the most significant stress, perhaps conservation efforts and infrastructure improvements could be more precisely targeted. We know from past discussions that our wells can be “stressed and not allowed to rest,” and that increasing pumping capacity isn’t always an option. Investing in our aging water meters, as recently discussed by the Water & Sewer Advisory Board, could significantly help in detecting leaks and promoting conservation. This could allow for more informed, real-time water management.
* Holistic Approach to Water Supply and Demand: Hopkinton is actively exploring a connection to the MWRA, a project that could provide a more robust and resilient long-term water supply, especially given concerns about PFAS contamination and the capacity of our existing wells. While this is a long-term solution, short-term strategies should align with this future vision. Simultaneously, continuing to purchase water from Ashland, while its renewal is being determined, remains a vital component of our supply.
* Emphasis on Continuous Water Stewardship and Education: We should continuously promote long-term water conservation practices as a matter of good environmental stewardship, regardless of drought conditions. Educating residents on efficient landscaping (like Xeriscaping), responsible irrigation, and identifying household leaks can have a significant and lasting impact. This proactive approach fosters a culture of conservation without the immediate economic and lifestyle impacts of sudden, broad restrictions that may feel disproportionate to the actual regional climate conditions.
While vigilance regarding our natural resources is commendable, it is essential that our responses are proportionate to the actual conditions. Imposing broad water restrictions when there is no widespread drought can lead to unnecessary inconvenience and economic impact for residents and businesses. By focusing on data-driven, localized solutions, strategically addressing our long-term water supply, and promoting continuous water stewardship, we can ensure the sustainable management of Hopkinton’s precious water resources without resorting to measures that may not be fully warranted across the entire town given the broader climatic context.
I have lived in Hopkinton for 5 years and it seems like we ALWAYS have a “water emergency”. What gives? It has rained for the past 8 weekends. The grass is lush and green. I had to fill my pool with Diet Coke this year. It took forever to pop open all those cans…