The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared the eastern half of Massachusetts to be in a Level 2 Significant Drought with severe consequences to local agriculture and private wells.
Bill Lindsay, Halifax Water Superintendent, said Tuesday that the town is in reasonably good shape as far as water is concerned. Over the weekend, he told The Express, the town pumped three quarters of a million gallons of water from the town’s wells, but residents seem to be following the water restrictions to safeguard the town’s supply.
To get from the town’s wells into a Halifax faucet, Lindsay explained, the water is pumped up into the big blue water tank that makes the water pressure necessary to flow throughout the town. The wells pump into the system until it reaches 34 feet in the tank and then they shut off. As long as people keep adhering to the restrictions, Lindsay doesn’t foresee any problems.
Just to review – The following Halifax water restrictions were revised due to the declaration of a Level 2 – Significant Drought in the Southeast Regions of the Commonwealth.
As of July 14, 2022, the following outside water restrictions are in place.
SUNDAY: No Watering
MONDAY: No Watering
TUESDAY:
ODD NUMBEREDdHOUSES before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: No Watering
THURSDAY: EVEN NUMBERED HOUSES before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
FRIDAY: No Watering
SATURDAY: No Watering
Sprinklers are allowed during the above-specified hours. Washing cars, boats, or equipment is no longer allowed.
As the drought conditions worsen across parts of the Commonwealth, MEMA reminds residents to exercise caution when using charcoal grills, backyard fire pits, and other open flame outdoor activities to prevent outdoor fires,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “Residents can also assist during the drought by minimizing water usage and following any local water restrictions for their area.”
Please refer to the Water Department page, on the Town of Halifax website for full description of restrictions and enforcement policies.
The Board of Water Commissioners appreciates your cooperation and will continue to modify and/or relax restrictions as we navigate this season.
If these restrictions are not adhered to the following fines will be enforced:
1st Offense – Verbal Warning
2nd Offense – $50 fine
3rd Offense – $100 fine
4th Offense – TERMINATION OF WATER SERVICE AND $250.00 TURN ON FEE.
If you have a well, please go to the Board of Health and obtain a well or irrigation well number. This number must be posted on the front lawn to avoid the Water Department or Police from stopping at your house to enforce this policy.
WATER RESTRICTIONS in KINGSTON
As part of the Town of Kingston’s water withdrawal permit, the Board of Water Commissioners has issued the following water restriction to be effective immediately: Even numbered houses may water on even numbered days before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Odd numbered houses may water on odd numbered days before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Top state officials are urging water conservation and fire vigilance.