Northampton Issues Outdoor Water Restriction NORTHAMPTON, Mass (WGGB) — On a day when mother nature is pouring water on us in the form of heavy rain, the city of Northampton has issued a water restriction. The Department of Public Works announced Wednesday afternoon that they are implementing an immediate ban on non-essential outdoor water use for anyone who uses the city’s Public Water Supply. It’s due to the fact that they need to ensure a sustainable water supply and to protect stream flow for aquatic life. Residents are being asked to limit how much water they use when it comes to outdoor activities. The following water uses are not allowed between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and they include, irrigation of lawns except by handheld hose, washing of vehicles, other than by commercial car wash, washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks. Production of food is exempt from restrictions the DPW notes. “Any person found violating these water restrictions is subject to the fines established in Chapter 325 and Chapter 40 of the City Ordinances. These fines are $100 for the first violation and $200 for the second and subsequent violations,” explains DPW Director, Edward Huntley. The City’s water supply system is regulated by the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection. DEP requires that water restriction be implemented when stream-flow in the Mill River drops below a certain quantity of flow (26.3 cubic feet per second) for a 3-day period. The water restriction can be lifted when the stream flow rises about that level for 7 consecutive days. When this occurs the DPW will notify the public. For more information check out northamptonma.gov/770/water
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 19:39:48 +0000
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