Mandatory Water Restrictions

All:

It finally seems real after this week's weather that "spring has arrived".  We've been evaluating our water supply system, operations, extended forecasts, and the U.S. Drought monitor for many months.  While the severe drought of 2016 has receded due to recent precipitation, a relatively dry March and a lingering "precipitation deficit" from last year have prompted us to implement mandatory water restrictions effective April 15, 2017.  The mandatory restrictions apply to all of our customers in Hingham, Hull, and North Cohasset.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported that as of April 11, a wide swath of the eastern part of the state remains abnormally dry.  You may recall that in September 2016 half the State was in an extreme drought. Our weather monitoring station reported a 9-inch water deficit at the end of 2016. Despite late winter snow and recent rainfalls, March 2017 precipitation was 0.39 inches below the 50-year average.

Therefore, starting this weekend, Aquarion Water Company customers will be limited from using hose-end sprinklers and automatic irrigation systems to two days per week, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.   Customers with odd-numbered street addresses can do so on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while those with even-numbered street addresses can do so on Wednesdays and Sundays. Customers are prohibited from using lawn sprinklers and irrigation systems between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  However, hand-held watering is still allowed any time, unless tighter restrictions are needed.

 

Every gallon of water is precious.  We look forward to your cooperation and assistance, and hope that the majority of our customers are environmentally responsible, and help us to preserve this invaluable resource.

Please feel free to contact me if you should have any questions.

Thank you,

Stephen C. Olson, P.E.

Aquarion Water Company

Director of Operations, MA