Newburyport Department of Public Services, Water Division announces voluntary water restrictions effective September 26, 2024.
September 26, 2024September 26, 2024
Voluntary Water Use Restriction Effective Immediately
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newburyport Department of Public Services, Water Division announces voluntary water restrictions effective September 26, 2024.
The recent lack of precipitation and earlier heat waves have reduced reservoir levels and triggered the need to ask for the following voluntary water use restrictions. Restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
Hours of outside watering: Outside watering should be restricted to the hours of 6:00 to 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 to 9:00 P.M.
Municipal parks & fields: Watering of parks, athletic fields and similar municipal uses is restricted to the same time of day.
Our reservoirs have recently dropped below 90% of capacity. The Board of Water/Sewer Commissioners has established that 90% capacity triggers a drought watch with the voluntary restrictions as stated above.
The following tips not only will help save water it will also save you money. The following tips can help you do your part to ease water use.
Many customers will see their water usage increase by as much as 2-3 times their normal usage, strictly because of outside water use in the summer. If you have a lawn, chances are this is your biggest outside water usage. Lawns typically use 50% of all outside watering.
Water your lawn every third day. Always water during the cool time of the day to minimize evaporation. Early morning or the evening is the best. As much as 30% of water can be lost to evaporation by watering the lawn during midday
Adjust sprinklers so only the lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. Do not water on windy days. Check and maintain your sprinkler system regularly.
A heavy rain means you don’t have to water at all. Adjust or deactivate automatic sprinklers so that they do not water on rainy days or when they are not needed.
When mowing, raise the blade on your lawn mower to at least three inches high, or to its highest level. Closely-cut grass makes the roots work harder, requiring more water.
Using a layer of mulch around plants reduces evaporation and promotes plant growth. Water retaining basins also allow water to be concentrated around the plants.
When washing the car, use soap and water from a bucket. Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle for the final rinse.
For more information, please call the Water/Sewer Business Office at 978-465-4420 or email wsbilling@newburyportma.gov
