Dedham-Westwood Water Customers are Subject to More Stringent Water Restrictions

No outdoor watering, except by hand-held hoses, will be allowed under new, mandatory water restrictions that will take effect on Monday, April 28th, announced Dedham-Westwood Water District this week from its Dedham, MA office.

Level 2 restrictions, which indicate "significant drought conditions", will be implemented at the end of April. Under Level 2 restrictions, all non-essential outdoor watering is banned, with the exception of watering plants and flowers with a handheld hose, drip irrigation, or water cans.

The restrictions are in accordance with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Water Management Act Program, says the water district. “Restriction levels 1-3 originate from new Water Management Regulations stipulated in the District’s Water Withdrawal Registration Statements from MassDEP,” said Executive Director Blake Lukis.

“This year’s water restrictions are more stringent than what the residents of Dedham and Westwood are used to complying with,” he said. “Previously, the District implemented its own water restriction levels, and unfortunately, we no longer have the option to do that,” said Mr. Lukis.

The water district encourages its customers to familiarize themselves with the new restriction levels. Dedham-Westwood Water District has scheduled two presentations about the changes to water restrictions:

• Monday, April 7, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom, during the Town of Westwood Select Board’s remotely held meeting; and

• Wednesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m., in person at the Town of Dedham Select Board Meeting, located at Town Hall, 450 Washington Street, Dedham, or via Zoom.

According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), much of the Commonwealth has been experiencing drought conditions since October 2024.

The water district will be obligated to adhere to all drought declarations from the EEA/Drought Management Task Force for the Southeast Region of the Commonwealth. For purposes of drought management, Dedham and Westwood are located in the Southeast Region.

In the event that EEA declares a drought status level change, the water district will announce specific requirements on its website, Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram.

Thanks to Dedham-Westwood Water District for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.

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