restrictions

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING WATER RESTRICTION & WATER TANK MAINTENANCE

The Water Management Act (M.G.L. c. 21G) became effective in March 1986. The Act authorizes MassDEP to regulate the quantity of water withdrawn from both surface and groundwater supplies. The purpose of these regulations (310 CMR 36.00) is to ensure adequate water supplies for current and future water needs. The Water Management Act (WMA) consists of a few key components, including a registration program and a permit program. &&

As a result of this program, the Water District is authorized to pump 0.31 million gallons per day annually. Our daily usage in 2023 was 0.41 million gallons per day, which is nearly 80,000 gallons over the permitted amount. As a result, it is necessary (and required by MassDEP) to upgrade the past, odd/even restriction and institute Mandatory Outdoor Water Ban on all non-essential watering May 1 through November 30, 2024.

Nonessential outdoor water uses that are subject to mandatory restrictions are as follows:

•No Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems (watering with hand held hose, bucket or watering can is permitted between the hours of 7PM and 9AM);

•Washing of vehicles (with hand held hose is permitted between the hours of 7PM and 9AM), except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety or to prevent damage and/or maintain performance of agricultural or construction vehicles or equipment; and

•Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.

The use of outdoor water sprinklers for establishing new lawns or other special conditions may be allowed with written permission from the Shirley Water District.

VIOLATION OF THIS RESTRICTION IS PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF UP TO $200.00 AND TERMINATION OF WATER SERVICE.

Water suppliers and communities face significant increases in demand during summer months due to the consumption of water used for maintaining landscapes and lawns. As a result of this increase it is necessary to implement this water restriction to insure there will continue to be a safe and adequate supply of water for domestic use and a sufficient supply for fire protection.

In addition, the district will be performing maintenance on two of our 750,000-gallon storage tanks in the spring and summer of 2024. Each tank will be down, one at a time. The Hatch tank in Lancaster (which maintains storage from the Lura White School up to Route 2) and the Heyliger tank on Farrar Lane (which maintains storage for the Center and North Shirley) will each be down for an estimated 2 to 3 months. We are currently beginning necessary work at the two booster stations which will enable us to maintain water pressure during construction. Some customers will most likely experience some interruption of service during this time.

If you have any comments or questions, Contact the Water District at 978-425-2245 or via e-mail: boomer@shirleywater.com