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.

DPW aims to educate, engage residents on water conservation

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The Department of Public Works is launching a water conservation program this spring to help residents make changes to protect the town’s water supply.

“It is intended to promote responsible water use and reduce our nonessential consumption, especially in high-demand season,” said Water-Sewer Manager Jed Fenneuff. He explained that the program will focus on public education and clear policies about water use to create awareness about water as a limited resource.

“When we tax our resources, not only would we not have the water when it’s critically important, but it also decreases the water quality,” said Fenneuff.

The DPW’s plan includes community engagement at public events, noted Fenneuff. He said the department has discussed having a table at the Hopkinton Farmers Market and is working on building other programs for residents. One of those potential programs could “create some incentive around purchasing a rain barrel,” he said, though the idea is in the early stages.

This push to encourage water conservation in town comes as the state recently downgraded the region’s drought status. A notice from Energy and Environmental Affairs secretary Rebecca Tepper stated that as of Wednesday, conditions in the central region of the state have improved to a Level 1 mild drought. According to the notice, Massachusetts received between 3 and 5.5 inches of precipitation, “which is normal for this time of year.”

Areas in a Level 1 drought still are encouraged to minimize overall water use and follow local water restrictions. Hopkinton’s mandatory water supply conservation restrictions remain in place, banning non-essential outdoor water use.

Despite the regional change in drought levels, Fenneuff said that the precipitation has not led to meaningful recharge of the town’s wells.

“We’re pumping so much, our drawdowns are still lower than normal,” he said. “It’s going to take some consistent recharge to affect the wells in some positive way.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Conservation Commission on Tuesday voted to approve limited herbicide use in Lake Maspenock given concerns over the aggressiveness of some invasive weed species and migration into the lake’s south basin.

During its meeting on Tuesday, the Conservation Commission continued a hearing on a commercial property on South Street and heard from Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed about a townwide maintenance plan.

Roland Ruprecht will be hitting the marathon course this year to raise funds for the Hopkinton Scout Leaders Association alongside his twin brother, Edward.

A longtime volunteer for Baypath Humane Society, Sandra Gittlen is heading out on her seventh run of the Boston Marathon to raise money for the organization’s new shelter.

This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is Beansprout, a puppy who enjoys playing with other dogs and is happy and affectionate once she feels comfortable.

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts will host its next Open Mic Night on April 17.

Photo of the Day

A Boston Marathon-themed banner hangs from the Hopkinton Public Library in anticipation of the April 20 race.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR