8-17-2022 11:40pm

DWWD Announces Web Resource on Water Restrictions, Imposes Stage II-A Restrictions

Darlene Cancell Editor

Image by Graf Mine from Pexels.

On August 12, 2022, the Dedham Westwood Water District announced via Twitter and Facebook a new resource page dedicated to water restrictions. On that page are updated restrictions on water use for DWWD customers. DWWD states that the restrictions are in effect as of August 2, 2022.

Here's a look at what makes up the mandatory water restrictions for Dedham and Westwood customers, and how the restrictions compare to neighboring towns.

Watering Restrictions for Dedham and Westwood

The Stage II-A restrictions appear on DWWD's water restriction resource page, and are, in brief:

- No watering of vegetation. Exceptions: Watering from watering can/container not exceeding a three-gallon capacity is allowed. Plant nurseries, golf course greens, and commercial agricultural activities are exempted.

- No washing vehicles or mobile equipment. Exceptions: Using a bucket/container not exceeding a three-gallon capacity; vehicle wash facilities are excepted where they have a water recycling system and where a DWWD sign of approval is prominently displayed in public view.

- No washing driveways, parking lots, service station aprons, streets, exterior of buildings or outdoor surfaces. Exceptions: Washing with a bucket/container not exceeding three-gallon capacity; washing to eliminate a hazard.

- No operation of ornamental fountains or similar structures.

- No filling swimming or wading pools from empty or from less than three quarters full. Exceptions: Home wading pools requiring five gallons of water or less.

-No service of drinking water in restaurants. Exception: Water may be served upon request.

Water Restrictions in Neighboring Towns

Dover: Aquarian Water Company has imposed a mandatory halt to all non-essential outdoor water uses from the beginning of August through September 30, 2022.

Medfield: The Town of Medfield Water Department is imposing a ban on all nonessential outdoor water use.

Medfield defines nonessential uses as including: irrigation, washing vehicles (except as necessary for driver safety or in a commercial car wash), washing building exteriors, driveways or sidewalks where water is used to apply surface treatments.

Exceptions include health and safety reasons, food and fiber production, livestock, core functions of a business (such as plant nurseries), irrigation to establish a new lawn/plantings in May and September, public parks and recreational fields.

Needham: There is no ban on outdoor water use for Needham which supplements its water supply with MWRA water, but the town requests businesses and residents to conserve and observe best practices.

Norwood: Currently, Norwood, which is part of the MWRA water system, does not have any watering ban in effect. However, the town is asking residents and business to conserve water if possible.