Current Water Ban

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EFFECTIVE JULY 21, 2022

On June 15, 2022, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs declared a Level 2- Significant Drought (click here for more information). A Full Outdoor Watering Restriction on all non-essential outdoor watering must be implemented immediately.

On July 21, 2022, as drought conditions worsened, the State’s Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Bethany Card declared a Level 3-Critical Drought for our region.  The Drought levels range form Level 0 – Normal to Level 4 – Emergency Drought

Although the Town joined the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in December 2020, the current connection to the Town of Lexington’s water system is not large enough to allow for the elimination of outdoor watering restrictions in the near future. The Town of Burlington must comply with what is mandated by the State. 

Because the Town of Burlington makes their own water at the Mill Pond Reservoir, we must comply with what is mandated by the state per our permit with the DEP. Many surrounding Towns have alternative water sources like MWRA and do not need to adhere as strictly. 

These water conservation measures would apply to all residential and commercial properties                           

3rd Step: Significant Drought – Full Outdoor Watering Restriction on all non-essential watering

Outdoor watering restrictions consist of:

  • No watering of lawns by any means 

The following uses are permitted:

  • Watering of gardens, flowers, and ornamental plantings by means of a hand-held hose only, will be allowed before  9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
  • To meet core functions of a business or commercial activity
  • Applying necessary surface treatments (aka washing exterior surfaces) such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement, or cement.

Lawn Exemptions:

  • No exemptions for the installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping, unless it’s related to new construction/additions.  
  • Limited to 4 hours per day and no watering between 9AM and 5PM.
  • Permission given by written request only by filling out this form 

Penalties:

According to the Town Bylaws Section 5.4 the Town, through its Select Board, may declare a State of Water Conservation.   Section 5.9 states the Penalties for violating the Water Restriction are: 

  • Any person violating shall be issued a warning for the first violation, shall be liable to the Town in the amount of $50 for the second violation, and $100 for each subsequent violation thereafter.  
  • These fines are non-criminal disposition
  • For new construction without a Certificate of Occupancy, where they continue to irrigate after receiving warnings -   The Select Board authorizes the shutting off of water to the violator’s premise.