EASTHAMPTON — The city implemented a water use restriction for residents Thursday after the state declared a “level 1 mild drought” for the Connecticut River Valley region.
Easthampton’s announcement of restrictions follows Northampton’s announcement of water use restrictions last week.
With the state designation, the city has implemented an immediate ban on “nonessential outdoor water use,” according to Department of Public Works Director Greg Nuttelman.
Residents are prohibited from watering lawns, except by a handheld hose, or washing vehicles, exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks. Residents are allowed those activities one day per week before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Food production and watering of livestock, as well as commercial car washes or as necessary for safety, are all exempt from this restriction.
“Residents should do their best to follow the restriction,” Nuttelman said. “We hope that the weather conditions change.”
Those found violating the water restrictions can be subject to fines of $50 for the first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses.
The city will notify the public when the water restriction is lifted.
In addition to the Connecticut River Valley region, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card announced Wednesday that central regions of the state had been elevated to a mild drought status as well. According to the state’s Drought Management Plan, level 1 status of a region warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities, and close coordination among state and federal agencies.
“Most regions across the Commonwealth are now experiencing drought-like conditions, so we all need to continue to implement water conservation methods in order to reduce impacts on our water supplies and our natural environment, which supports migrating species of fish, aquatic plant life, and habitats and ecosystems, ” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card in a statement. “These dry conditions also serve as an important reminder that extra precautions should be taken when utilizing an open flame in order to prevent wildland fires.”
