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.

Kizner leads discussion on enforcement for filling pools during water restrictions

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Questions about enforcement of the town’s drought restrictions — particularly in regard to pools — were raised at the most recent Select Board meeting.

During her report to the board at its March 17 meeting, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus reminded members that the town is in a critical drought status. “We’re reminding people to avoid non-essential water,” she said.

“Hopefully [the drought] will improve before summer, but it needs to rain,” she added.

The region entered a level 3 critical drought earlier this month. In response to the upgrade in status enacted by the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Department of Public Works extended the town’s mandatory water supply conservation restrictions. While snow from a string of intense winter storms continues to melt, water cannot penetrate frozen ground, and the high amounts of snow only equated to about 2 1/2 inches of water, according to the EEA.

After asking clarifying questions on the outdoor water use ban, member Matt Kizner inquired about how the town intends to enforce the restrictions for pools. “That’s a literal and direct way of telling if this policy is being violated,” he said. “I’d like to understand if we actually intend on enforcing fines.”

Lazarus noted that violations would have to be observed but noted that not everyone in town relies on town water. Those households are not subject to the restrictions, she explained.

“I’m very emphatic that, in a month’s time, people are going to start filling their pools,” Kizner continued. “They’re not going to consider this part of a water ban.”

Added Kizner: “I want to understand what the town’s plan is for how they’re going to make it clear that’s not supposed to happen.” Lazarus responded, highlighting that the town does have bylaws allowing for enforcement if violations are found.

Member Brian Herr cautioned the board to be mindful of households that keep water in their pools year-round and “don’t refill it every year necessarily.”

Vice chair Shahidul Mannan characterized this drought as “unique” and requested that the town’s Water & Sewer Advisory Board provide feedback on the board’s concerns.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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Town meetings tonight include the Water & Sewer Advisory Board (5).

Photo of the Day

Select Board member Brian Herr (left) and 26.2 Foundation executive director Tim Kilduff look on as the Bobbi Gibb statue is installed Tuesday at the corner of Main Street and Hayden Rowe.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO