Wellesley’s drought status has been raised by the state from Level 1 to 2, which means the town needs to put mandatory outdoor watering restrictions in place.

To conserve water, the town has banned all outdoor irrigation using sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems. Hand watering only is permitted for lawns, gardens, flowers, shrubs, trees, and ornamental plants before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.

Wellesley is in the state’s southeast region, as shown in this map.

Essential outdoor watering uses are still allowed. This includes irrigation required to establish newly installed lawns or plantings, where authorized by the Department of Public Works. Agricultural operations necessary to maintain livestock. crops, and vegetable gardens is also allowed. Also allowed: Irrigation of public parks, public trees, school grounds, and recreational fields, plus watering necessary to support the core functions of commercial operations.

The DPW plans to enforce the restrictions through education, though violators may be subject to a $50 fine for the first offense, and a $100 fine for each subsequent one.