WESTFIELD — On Sept. 9, the state declared significant drought, or Level 2, conditions in the Connecticut River Valley, which triggered the Westfield Water Commission on Sept. 12 to implement mandatory water restrictions for the city, which was the second time since May.
“Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Connecticut River Valley region has been designated a Level 2 Significant Drought, and as a result, the Westfield Board of Water Commissioners is required to implement a mandatory non-essential outdoor water use restriction,“ according to a press release from the city.
All non-essential outdoor water use by water users is banned, except that watering ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-held hose or watering cans may be permitted.
This restriction will remain in effect until further notice, when the drought status is changed. All non-essential water use is banned except by hand-held hose or watering can before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
Examples of “non-essential” water use include:
- Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems;
- Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety; and
- Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.
- Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose, soaker hose or drip irrigation system.
Examples of water uses NOT subject to restrictions:
- For health or safety reasons, including public facilities used for cooling such as splash pads and swimming pools, and for washing of boats, engines or marine equipment to prevent negative saltwater impacts or the transfer of invasive aquatic species;
- By permit, license, statute or regulation;
- For the production of food, including vegetable gardens, and fiber;
- For the maintenance of livestock;
To meet the core functions (those functions essential to the commercial operations) of a business, including but not limited to:
- Plant nurseries as necessary to maintain stock;
- Venues used for weddings or similar special events that limit watering to hand-held hose or drip irrigation as necessary to maintain gardens, flowers and ornamental plants;
- Professional washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways and/or sidewalks as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement, or dement in the course of construction, reconstruction or renovation work;
- For irrigation of public parks before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- For irrigation of public and private recreation fields, including those operated by schools, colleges, universities, and athletic associations, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.;
- For irrigation of publicly funded shade trees and trees in the public right-of-way; or
- To establish a new lawn as necessary to stabilize soil in response to new construction or following the repair or replacement of a Title 5 system.
To check the status and stay up to date on the restrictions, visit the department website at cityofwestfield.org/657/Water where the restrictions and updates will be posted, according to the release.
Last March, the City Council amended the city’s water ordinance to be implemented during drought conditions to comply with state regulations.
The amendments included upping the fines for violating the ordinance.
For a first offense, a $50 citation will be issued, for a second offense, a $100 citation will be issued and $150 for all subsequent offenses, which are applied by the superintendent of public works, the assistant superintendent of public works or the deputy superintendent of water.
This water restriction program is mandated by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection as a condition of being able to produce water and is designed to sustain the water supply for all. The anticipated cooperation by city of Westfield water customers is greatly appreciated, according to the announcement by the city.
The amendment also adds the caveat that if a state of water supply emergency has been declared, the water commissioners may, in accordance with state law, shut off the water at the meter or the curb stop.
If you have any questions, contact the Water Division at 413-572-6269.
