Mandatory Water Restriction -- Nonessential Outdoor Use
Why Was Sudbury Placed In Mandatory Outdoor Water Restriction?
Water use for the Sudbury Water District is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. As a public water supplier, we are issued a Water Management Act Permit which allows us to withdraw a certain amount of water from the Sudbury/Assabet/Concord River Basin. Restrictions are placed on water use when streamflow in the Concord River (in Lowell) falls below a specified level; as part of this standard, whenever a drought advisory or higher is declared by the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force, Sudbury must implement a Mandatory Nonessential Outdoor Water Use Restriction.
During Mandatory Restriction When Is Outdoor Water Use Permitted?
Nonessential outdoor water use is ONLY permitted BEFORE 9 a.m. or AFTER 5 p.m. It is not limited by precinct number or day of the week.
What Trigger's Sudbury's Outdoor Restrictions As Designated By MassDEP?
From May 1st through September 30th whenever the Streamflow at the Concord River (below River Meadow Brook, at Lowell) falls below assigned criteria for (3) consecutive days Mandatory Water Restriction for Nonessential Outdoor Water Use will be placed in effect.The "trigger" flow from May 1st through June 30th is below 427 cubic feet per second for (3) consecutive days; from July 1st through September 30th the "trigger" flow is below 156 cubic feet per second for (3) consecutive days.
How Is The Trigger Level Determined?
Levels of restriction are based on the residential per capita per day water use. The MassDEP wants all water systems to be at or below 65 gallons per person per day of use. When the previous year's water use is above 65 gallons per person per day we are required to enforce more stringent restrictions. In 2011 our use was below 65 gallons per person per day therefore our restriction is only limited for non-essential outdoor water usage before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., everyday.
Once Implemented How Long Will Mandatory Restriction Be In Effect?
Mandatory Water Restriction for Nonessential Outdoor Water Use will be implemented and remain in effect until the Concord River Streamflow meets or exceeds the trigger guideline (as described above) for seven (7) consecutive days or a Drought Advisory or higher is declared by the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force.
Helpful Links:
http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/eea/water/water-conservation-standards.pdf
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/stresmap.htm
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/fsusers.htm
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/wmafact.htm
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/rgpcd06.htm
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