Photo: Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs
DEDHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Commonwealth’s drought problems are improving, but still forcing restrictions statewide.
The majority of the state has been reduced to a Level 1 drought status, easing some of the water restrictions this spring. The Northeast was reduced from a Level 3 to a Level 2 drought status, while the Cape and Islands remained unchanged at Level 2.
Dedham-Westwood Water District (DWWD) Executive Director Blake Lukis said officials have been “seeing improvements” after a rainy start to spring. His district will have to follow Level 1 drought status restrictions starting on April 28.
“That’s basically going to mean that anyone can water one day a week. Depending on what street you live on, you can water either Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday prior to 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m.,” said Lukis.
Lukis said it is up to the state to determine the drought statuses, as well as the restrictions that go along with them.
“Water withdrawal is managed by the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Management Act, requiring us to start following water use restrictions based on state-mandated droughts,” said Lukis. “Any district that has a registration statement through the Water Management Act has to comply with this. First fine is $100 [and] it’s up to $500 per occurrence.”
According to the DWWD, each day a resident violates the restrictions counts as a separate offense.
The Dedham Select Board has a meeting planned for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Dedham Town Hall to inform residents about changes to water restrictions. A similar meeting took place online on Monday for Westwood residents.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chris Fama (CFamaWBZ) reports.