The drought status for the southeast region of the state that includes Wellesley has been raised from a Level 0 designation (normal conditions) by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to Level 1 (mild drought). Wellesley last month saw its designation drop from Level 2 (significant drought) to normal conditions, after which the Board of Public Works rescinded one-day per week outdoor watering restrictions that had been in effect since February.
Expect the board, which meets on May 13, to have something to say about the latest designation.
Despite the previously improved drought status, the Wellesley Water Department was still discouraging business and property owners from going wild with their water, both for conservation purposes as well as for lawn health. They were recommending a voluntary conservation program of two outdoor watering days per week, and to irrigate before 9 am and after 5 pm to reduce water loss from evaporation.
Here’s what the state recommends for residents and businesses in Level 1 communities:
- Minimize overall water use;
- Consider installing a rain barrel to collect rainwater for lawn and garden watering
- For any upcoming outdoor water use, limit watering to one day a week (only from 5:00 pm – 9:00 am), or less frequently if required by your water supplier
- For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities;
You can track your water use via the Water Customer Portal.
Contact the DPW Water & Sewer Division with questions at (781) 235-7600 extension 3355.
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