ORANGE — The Water Department has implemented a temporary water restriction triggered by reduced stream flow in the Millers River.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection requires an immediate ban on non-essential outdoor water uses to protect stream flow for aquatic life and ensure a sustainable water supply.
According to the town’s website, residents are prohibited from irrigating lawns and watering gardens, flowers and ornamental plants (except with a handheld hose between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.), washing vehicles other than by a commercial car wash, and washing exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks (except as needed to apply paint, preservations, stucco, pavement or cement).
The Water Department will notify the public when the restriction is lifted, the website states. Anyone found violating these water restrictions is subject to fines of $50 for the first violation and $100 for second and subsequent offenses.
According to the municipal website, the Department of Environmental Protection requires water restrictions when stream flow in the Millers River drops below 186 cubic feet per second (83,477 gallons per minute) for three consecutive days. The restriction can be lifted when stream flow rises above that level for seven consecutive days.
The restriction is also affecting those paying a visit to deceased loved ones, as the Orange Cemetery Commission has turned off the water in all cemeteries in partnership with the Water Department.
“We understand that this is an inconvenience for users of the cemetery during this time,” the website reads, asking anyone tending to flowers to bring water from home.
Anyone with concerns or questions can contact Highway, Cemeteries and Parks Superintendent Colin Killay at 978-544-1111.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or
413-772-0261, ext. 262.