Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Water restrictions remain in place as snow melts

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Despite major snow accumulations melting in the first two weeks of March, the town’s drought status has grown in severity.

Last Friday, the Department of Public Works announced it was extending the town’s mandatory water supply conservation restrictions. Drought conditions have persisted in Hopkinton since August, and the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs recently moved the region into a level 3 critical drought status.

The intense snowfalls the region experienced in February — with some areas receiving up to 3 feet — remained locked in as snow until recent melts. Frozen ground also meant that water had nowhere to go once the snow began melting. The EEA noted in its recent statement that the snow “equals only about two and a half inches of water.”

Much more rain is needed to fully recharge groundwater, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water.

“Now that the temperature’s increasing, it’ll take a little bit of time for these [recent] rains to get down into the aquifer to refill the system,” said Water-Sewer Manager Jed Fenneuff.

He added that he hoped the spring would bring some recharge but that he anticipated water restrictions to continue. “I don’t see that changing,” he noted.

Fenneuff explained that in order for the town’s wells to return to normal levels, it would take a “significant” amount of steady rain. While big storms bring a lot of water, the aquifers cannot take it all at once. Rain, Fenneuff said, needs to be distributed over the course of time.

“Now, to me, it seems like it’s all or nothing,” he said in regard to rainfall events, stating that the region’s weather patterns in recent years have not been traditional.

As drought conditions persist, municipal water customers are asked to restrict outdoor and non-essential water use. Fenneuff also encouraged residents to “aggressively reduce indoor water use” as well.

“Be cognizant of your actions,” Fenneuff advised. “A lot of water can be saved by keeping the thought in your mind that it’s important to save water.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Police from Hopkinton and Southborough arrested a Pennsylvania man on multiple charges after he allegedly attempted to commit bank fraud in both towns.

Hopkinton Police and Fire crews responded to a residence on Wood Street on Sunday after an allegedly distracted driver crashed into the side of the home.

The Department of Public Works announced Friday that it would be extending the town’s water conservation restrictions following an upgrade of drought status in the region.

A number of local collegians recently were recognized for academic excellence.

The latest Professional Insights from Kim Foemmel of Foemmel Fine Homes details the septic tax credit program and how Massachusetts residents can claim it if they have septic issues.

Judith Laramee, 78, died March 13. She was a former resident of Hopkinton.

Town meetings tonight include the Appropriation Committee (5) and Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board (6).

Photo of the Day

The Hopkinton Basketball Association Grade 5 girls team coached by Jarred Sakakeeny was one of three local teams to win titles on the final day of the Metrowest League playoffs Sunday, Click here for more.