Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — As Massachusetts continues grapple with abnormally dry weather and dozens of wildfires, the city of Attleboro is raising concerns about low water levels.
"Due to an extended lack of rainfall and total rainfall amounts that are well under average for the region, Attleboro’s falling reservoir levels are becoming a serious concern," the city's Water Department said in a statement.
Massachusetts has declared parts of the state to be in a Mild Drought, but the South Coast, including Attleboro, is exempt from that list.
The city said that "on a ten year-average Attleboro has received almost a foot less of rainfall since June" and therefore the city is "seeing lower than average water levels at Orr's Pond and near historic low water levels at Manchester Reservoir. These are the main reservoirs that feed our main water treatment plant on West Street."
"I've seen the reservoir. Kind of crazy, honestly. Lowest I've ever seen it," one Attleboro resident told WBZ NewsRadio. "I can't remember the last time it's rained."
"I've lived in Attleboro my whole life. It's the lowest I've seen for a while," another resident said.
Water restrictions, which have been in place since May in the city, have been raised to Level 4. That means that outdoor water use is prohibited unless "it is necessary for the operation of a business or for safety reasons."
Residents are also encouraged to conserve water that they use indoors.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports.
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