NepRWA shares water conservation tips

By Canton Citizen

The Canton Water Department has partnered with the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA) to launch a public education program about the importance of water conservation.

Local water restrictions curb lawn-watering, car-washing, and other non-essential outdoor water uses when drought risk is highest. Additionally, state-mandated water restrictions could further limit outdoor water use if drought conditions occur, as determined by the Mass. Drought Management Task Force. In accordance with the State Water Management Act, these requirements are designed to improve local response to more frequent droughts caused by climate change.

With heightened concerns over more frequent drought conditions and the excessive water use that often comes with summer, conserving water is more critical than ever. While people typically associate drought with hot, dry summer weather, it’s important to remember that droughts can occur year-round. The Drought Management Task Force continues to monitor conditions and recommends to Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper when a drought has ended.

Canton is required to start enforcing water restrictions from May 1 to September 30 to manage peak demand and protect water resources. Nonessential outdoor watering must be limited to no more than two times per week and must take place between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Outdoor uses that must follow mandatory restrictions:

* Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems

* Washing of vehicles except in a commercial car wash or for operator safety

* Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except when it as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, stain, or stucco.

Outdoor uses that may be allowed during mandatory restrictions:

* Irrigation to establish a new lawn and plantings during the months of May and September

* Irrigation of public parks and recreation fields by automatic sprinklers outside the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Irrigation of gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose or drip irrigation systems from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.

* Irrigation of lawns by means of a hand-held hose only between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.

For more information about Canton’s mandatory outdoor water restrictions, please visit town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/10612/Annual-Mandatory-Outdoor-Water-Restrictions.

“Following outdoor water restrictions, fixing leaks, and being mindful about lawn watering can go a long way in keeping our water supply strong all summer,” said Mike Trotta, Superintendent of the Canton Water Department.

Together, the Canton Water Department and NepRWA recommend key strategies to conserve water during the summer months:

* Always follow the town’s nonessential outdoor water restrictions.

* Fix leaks promptly to prevent unnecessary water waste (and save money!).

* Allow your grass to grow tall — setting your mower to the highest cut helps shade roots, slows down water evaporation from the soil, and reduces the need for watering.

* Apply a thin layer of compost to your lawn and rake it in to improve water retention and provide natural nutrients.

* Choose drought-tolerant native plants, shrubs, and grasses to reduce outdoor water consumption.

* Use a pool cover to prevent evaporation and reduce the need for refilling.

“By embracing water-saving habits, residents can ease pressure on local water resources, cut down on utility expenses, and help safeguard the environment,” says Vanan Phan, NepRWA’s social marketing specialist.

Lastly, Canton’s Water Department reminds residents that many water leaks go unnoticed until they receive a water bill that is higher than usual. One of the biggest culprits is a leaking toilet. Learn more about how to check for leaks at town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/276.

Share This Post

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=134118