DPW Notice - Water Conservation Measures Go Into Effect Today, Thursday, May 12, 2022.

Following sporadic rainfall totals during the last several months, which has resulted in below average precipitation numbers in eastern Massachusetts, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Bethany Card declared a Level 1-Mild Drought in the Southeast and Islands Regions of the Commonwealth.

The declaration of a Level 1 drought has triggered the Town to enact Water Conservation restrictions as required per our Water Management Act permit through MassDEP. Therefore, the following Water Conservation Measures are now in effect as of today, May 12th, 2022.

• One day per week outdoor watering.
• Outdoor watering using sprinklers or automated irrigation systems is restricted to the water user's trash day. If the user does not have Town trash service, the user should water on the same day as the nearest Town trash customer. 
• Outdoor watering is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• Hand watering is permitted anytime.

As a requirement of our Water Management Act Permit the Town is required to enact annual summer Water Conservation Measures. The conservation measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure water levels in the Charles River Water Shed basin remain at acceptable levels and that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption. During the summer months, the Town experiences excessively high demands for water due to lawn watering. There have been 24-hour periods during which water consumption has been more than twice our average daily water usage for the year. Because of the tremendous increase in the demand for water and State restrictions on the amount of water that can be pumped daily, the Town of Franklin must place water conservation measures in effect for lawn watering during the summer months.

A total of 1-inch of water once per week from rain and watering promotes the healthiest lawns. Non-compliance with these regulations could adversely affect public health and safety. Violators are subject to fines up to $200. For additional information, visit the DPW website at www.franklinma.gov/public-works. Any questions should be directed to the Department of Public Works at 508-520-4910.

Please see our website for more information: https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/water-conservation

Thank you for your cooperation!

Franklin DPW