2011 Westford Water Conservation Measures
In 2011 the Water Department instituted a Drought Management Plan that utilizes water use triggers derived from Westford’s state-permitted daily pumping limits to institute mandatory water conservation measures. These water conservation measures are necessary to ensure a safe supply of drinking water and sufficient pressure for fire emergencies.
One of the most significant uses of water in the summer months is outdoor watering. Accordingly, Westford’s water conservation measures include the common practice of odd/even outdoor watering. This means that those with odd numbered addresses may water on odd days and those with even numbered addresses may water on even numbered days - in accordance with the current Water Conservation Stage. These Water Conservation Stages are described below:
Stage I (Voluntary Odd/Even)
Voluntary Restrictions (May 1 – October 31):
- Odd/Even Outdoor Watering
- Water users are requested to fill swimming pools before June.
Stage II (Mandatory Odd/Even)
Mandatory Restrictions (May 1 – October 31):
- Odd/Even Outdoor Watering (for automatic or manual use sprinklers)
- Use of a bucket, can, or hand held hose with automatic shutoff nozzle allowable everyday
- The filling of swimming pools is prohibited.
Stage III (Mandatory Odd/Even with Time Restrictions):
Mandatory Restrictions (May 1 – October 31):
- Odd/Even Outdoor Watering
- Outdoor Watering Hours: Outdoor watering is allowed between the hours of 5 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M and 10:00 P.M.
- Outdoor Watering Method: Outdoor watering is restricted to bucket, can, or hand held hose watering with automatic shutoff nozzle.
- Automatic Sprinkler Use: The use of automatic sprinkler systems is allowed between the hours of 5:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M.
- The filling of swimming pools is prohibited.
Stage IV (Emergency):
Mandatory Restrictions (May 1 – October 31):
- Outdoor Water Ban: Outdoor watering is prohibited.
- The filling of swimming pools is prohibited.
- Car or vehicle washing is prohibited.
The current Water Conservation Stage will be clearly publicized by one or more of several means (depending on the specific conservation stage) including signs located throughout town, newspaper, local cable, and town website postings. Failure to comply with mandatory conservation measures (Stage II through Stage IV) is subject to a fine of $50 for the first violation and $100 for each subsequent violation. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense. Fines are issued pursuant to section 169.7.I of Westford’s bylaws. For more information on the Drought Management Plan contact Mark Warren, Environmental Compliance Manager at (978) 399-2457.
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