The Hopkinton Water and Sewer Department released the following statement about water issues in town.

Water levels at the Hopkinton reservoir and groundwater levels at our town wells have reached action trigger levels. Due to these low levels, we are cutting back on our pumping capacity and we lost the use of two wells at the Ashland treatment plant. We are now at nearly a 5-inch rain deficit for the year. We are required to revise the water use restriction to prohibit all outdoor use except watering of flowers, gardens and shrubs by handheld means or by drip irrigation before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. and that which is necessary for the following: for health or safety reasons; for the production of food and fiber; for the maintenance of livestock; or to meet core functions of a business.

We continue to receive very little rain to help recharge our aquifers, and the long-term forecasts call for above-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation through the summer. It is IMPERATIVE that everyone complies with these restrictions and turn off all lawn sprinklers immediately. This is necessary to ensure a safe and adequate supply for our daily essential needs and for firefighting capabilities. These restrictions only pertain to users of the municipal water system; however, we encourage those with private wells to use water just as judiciously, to avoid your well going dry. We need everyone’s strict adherence and cooperation in this important matter to sustain the town water supply through these persistent drought conditions. Please note that if conditions continue to worsen, a ban on all outdoor water use may have to be enacted.

Updates will be provided, as necessary, through the town’s website, hopkintonma.gov, local newspapers and HCAM-TV. For instantaneous updates please go to hopkintonma.gov/home/about/follow and select water and sewer notices and follow us on our Twitter feed @hopkintonwater.

We thank you for your cooperation with this important matter.