Outdoor Watering Restrictions in Effect
Per MassDEP
Please Conserve Water
Littleton is experiencing a Level 2 Significant Drought. All nonessential outdoor water uses are banned, except that watering ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-held hose or watering cans are permitted.
What outdoor watering is prohibited?
All non-essential outdoor water uses, which include:
- irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems;
- washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety; and
- washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.
- Filling swimming pools
What outdoor watering is allowed?
- Watering of vegetable gardens
- Watering ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-held hose or watering cans.
What are the penalties for violating the ban?
Any person violating this regulation shall be liable to the Littleton Water Department as follows:
- 1st Violation: Written warning
- 2nd Violation: $50.00 fine
- 3rd Violation: $200.00 fine
- 4th Violation: $400.00 fine and reduction in water availability to allow for basic water use needs.
Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.
What Causes Water Restrictions?
Water restrictions result from a lack of precipitation as measured by drought conditions and low stream flows.
First, the restrictions depend on the severity of the drought in the region, as declared by the state’s Drought Management Task Force. The restrictions remain in place until the Task Force determines the drought conditions have dissipated.
Stream Flows
Second, the restrictions on nonessential outdoor water use in Littleton can also be triggered by flows in the Concord River below River Meadow Brook at Lowell falls, as measured by the U.S. Geological Survey gage.
Two (2) days per week, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., when:
- The gage falls below 427 cubic feet per second for three (3) consecutive days, between May 1 and June 30, or
- The gage falls below 156 cfps for three (3) consecutive days between July 1 and September 30.
One (1) day per week, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., when the gage falls below 71 cfps for three (3) consecutive days.
The restrictions remain in place until streamflow at the gage meets or exceeds the trigger streamflow for seven (7) consecutive days.
Private Well Owners
While private well owners are not required to comply with the water restrictions, we ask that they do their part to conserve water, as it all comes from the same aquifer.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Residents and consumers are encouraged to call LWD with any questions at 978-540-2222.
Drought Monitoring
