NORTHAMPTON — The Department of Public Works on Monday issued a water use restriction, effective immediately.
The move, according to a news release, is because of a drought advisory in effect for the Connecticut River Valley region. Those who violate the restrictions could end up with a $100 fine for the first offense and $200 fine for subsequent offenses.
The rules, copied from the city website:
• Irrigation of lawns and watering of gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants by means of sprinklers or other automatic means;
• Irrigation by means of a handheld hose is permissible, but only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Washing of vehicles, other than by commercial car wash;
• Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks; except as needed to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.