Seasonal Water Restrictions
on Outdoor Water Use
Seasonal Water Restrictions on Outdoor Water Use will begin Monday, May 1. The restrictions curb lawn watering, car washing, and other non-essential outdoor water uses. This year in addition to local measures, state mandated water restrictions will further limit outdoor water use based on drought levels declared by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (Mass EEA).
Under the regulations, all non-essential daily water use between 9:00am - 5:00pm is prohibited, including lawn watering using sprinklers or automatic irrigations systems as well as car washing.
Lawn watering in Foxborough is permitted on the following days and times:
Odd Numbered properties – Mondays & Thursdays 6:00pm-9:00pm
Even Numbered properties – Tuesdays & Fridays 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Watering with handheld hoses is allowed any day before 9:00am and after 5:00pm
“With droughts becoming more frequent, we must take steps now to protect our water supplies” said Water & Sewer Department Superintendent Bob Worthley.
Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA) Outreach Coordinator Suzanna Sullivan cited steps homeowners can take to keep lawns healthy while conserving water.
“Just one inch of water per week from rain or irrigation is enough to keep a lawn green” Sullivan noted. “Overwatering your lawn weakens the roots, causes harmful fungus outbreaks, and wastes water.”
NepRWA tips for a healthy lawn include:- Set mower to the highest cut setting, as tall grass shades roots and slows evaporation.
- Mow regularly. Remove less than 1/3 of the grass each time you mow.
- Sharpen mower blades. Dull blades shred grass instead of slicing it.
- Create compost for use on your lawn and garden. Add leaves, weeds, fruit & vegetable wastes, and crushed eggshells
Homeowners and businesses also have options to conserve indoor water use. The Foxborough Water Department offers rebates for water-efficient toilets and washing machines, more information and forms can be found here.
Lastly, the Water Department would like to remind residents that many leaks unnoticed until residents receive their water bill and notice the amount is much higher than prior bills. The biggest culprit is a leaking toilet which is why the Water Department Office offers dye tablets free of charge and they can be picked up at any time during normal business hours.
Please contact the Water Department at 508-543-1209, with any further questions regarding water restrictions, water conservation and rebates offered.