Mandatory Outdoor Water Restrictions
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, through its Water Management Act permitting process, has imposed limits on the amount of water towns are allowed to withdrawal from their respective watersheds. Mandatory Outdoor Water Restrictions are a result of Canton’s water withdrawal permit that is issued to the Town by MASS DEP.
As a result of this permit, the Town must implement a mandatory outdoor water conservation measure from May 1st through September 30th. The permit stipulates nonessential outdoor watering must be limited to no more than two times per week and must take place between 5pm and 9am. The restriction includes the following provisions:
Uses subject to mandatory restriction
- Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
- Washing of vehicles except in a commercial car wash or for operator safety
- Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, stain, or stucco.
Uses that may be allowed during mandatory restriction
- Irrigation to establish a new lawn and plantings during the months of May and September
- Irrigation of public parks and recreation fields by automatic sprinklers outside the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM
- Irrigation of gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose or drip irrigation systems from 5 PM to 9 AM
- Irrigation of lawns by means of a hand-held hose only between 5 PM and 9 AM.
Uses NOT subject to mandatory restriction
- For health and safety reasons
- For production of food and fiber for private or commercial use
- For maintenance of livestock
- To meet the core functions of a business (golf course, plant nurseries)
Water Department staff will be monitoring all sprinkler use in Town and will stop to remind residents of the new restriction policy. A second notice may result in a $50 fine.
