NORTHAMPTON — The Department of Public Works implemented water use restrictions in Northampton on Tuesday, citing low stream flow in the Mill River.
The immediate ban covers all non-essential outdoor water use between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and is necessary to “ensure a sustainable water supply and to protect stream flow for aquatic life,” according to the DPW.
The ban covers the washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks; the irrigation of lawns except by means of a handheld hose; and the washing of vehicles other than by commercial car wash. Water use for the production of food is exempt from the restrictions.
Violators of the restrictions are subject to fines of $100 for a first offense and $200 for second and subsequent offenses.
The city’s water supply system is regulated by the state Department of Environmental Protection, which requires water use restrictions when stream flow in the Mill River drops below 26.3 cubic feet per second over a three-day period, according to the DPW. The water restriction can be lifted when the stream flow rises above that level for seven consecutive days.
The city will notify the public when the water restrictions are lifted. The DPW provides water conservation tips on its website at northamptonma.gov/770/water.
Staff Writer Dan Crowley can be reached at dcrowley@gazettenet.com.