Superintendent Colin Stokes reports that the Groveland Water and Sewer Department is enacting a watering restriction following the declaration of a level 2 drought by the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
The decision to declare a Level 2 drought was informed by recommendations and a meeting of the Drought Management Task Force (DMTF), comprised of state and federal officials, and will remain in effect until water levels return to normal in the affected regions, including Groveland.
Groveland Water and Sewer’s implementation of a water restriction is being done out of an abundance of caution, in order to maintain healthy water levels in the town’s wells.
To help preserve the local water supply, residents and businesses should:
- Minimize overall water use;
- Limit outdoor watering to between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.;
- Limit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping, watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall, washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding), personal vehicle or boat washing, operation of non-recirculating fountains, filling of swimming pools, hot tubs, and backyard informal rinks.
Residents are asked to adjust their lawn irrigation systems and stop all other outdoor water use. Also, residents are encouraged to repair any known internal plumbing leaks in order to help conserve water.
The declaration of a significant drought requires the Drought Management Task Force to meet on a regular basis to assess conditions across the state and provide information to the public. The Task Force will meet on a monthly basis or as frequently as conditions warrant.
For further information on water conservation and what residents and communities can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page.