AMHERST — A mandatory water ban in effect since August, which prohibits residents from watering lawns and washing vehicles, will extend at least to the end of October.
Amy Rusiecki, assistant superintendent of the Department of Public Works, told the Select Board Monday that the state is advising the town to maintain the ban, and only to lift it based on a series of factors, including reduced demand, higher water levels in the reservoirs, cooler temperatures and future rain predictions.
Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek said the focus remains on water conservation. The efforts of residents, businesses and institutional partners continue to make a difference, he said.
The daily use has fallen to around 3.5 million gallons, and that dropped to around 2.2 million gallons during the recent holiday weekend.
Though water users can be fined for violating the ban, compliance has not been a problem.
“To date, we’ve had no violations of the water ban,” Ziomek said.
Atkins Reservoir is holding its level, but not gaining water yet. Ziomek said the ground remains dry and recent rain showers haven’t been enough to provide the runoff that would raise the levels.
Meanwhile, the Select Board released its right of first refusal for 5.79 acres on University Drive, which allows current owner Mohammad Idrees of Orlando, Florida, to sell the farmland to Orion Student Housing LLC for $660,000.
The sale comes after Town Meeting last spring approved rezoning that would allow homes on the property.
The land, which has been used for crops, is expected to be converted into student townhouses.
Ziomek said the buyer is expected to make a donation for preserving farmland elsewhere in Amherst.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
