City of Westfield limits outdoor water use due to ongoing drought
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The City of Westfield implemented a non-essential outdoor water use restriction issued by the state.
In a notification posted on the city's website on Monday, the Department of Public Works (DPW) announced a mandatory non-essential outdoor water use restriction due to the current drought and the Connecticut River Valley Region's status as mild.
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This includes a ban on washing cars or watering your lawn, or garden. The DPW said non-essential water use is not allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Outdoor water use is allowed one day a week, based on what section your water bill indicates.
Residents who are billed for water in January, April, July, and October are only allowed to use outdoor water for non-essential use before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Those who are billed in February, May, August, and November are allowed to use outdoor water for non-essential use before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on Thursdays.
Those billed in March, June, September, and December are allowed to use outdoor water for non-essential use before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
The water restriction is mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine of $50. According to the drought status, the Connecticut River Valley Region has been in a mild drought status since March 1st. The Drought Management Task Force is scheduled to meet on Wednesday and will update recommendations as necessary.
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In addition, the water consumption rate was increased by 20% during a Water Commission vote on January 29th, effective immediately, to $6.36 per 1,000 gallons as determined by the meter reading or through estimation. The quarterly base meter fee was also increased by 40%, rates can be found on the DPW's website.
These water rates were increased due to several factors, including a budget shortfall of $-873,040, the decline in water consumption, and an additional $1 million for loans being sold off for the Dry Bridge Treatment Plant and the Provin Tank.
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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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