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Outdoor Watering Restrictions - 2 Days

OUTDOOR WATER USE RESTRICTION UPDATE – LEVEL 2 (Effective 08/08/25)

On May 3, 2024, the District received its long-awaited amended Water Management Act (WMA) permit, which included a condition requiring the District to revise its existing seasonal outdoor water use restriction program to align with the stricter limits set forth in the new permit. To adopt and implement the controls necessary to do this, the District proposed revisions to the District’s Bylaws at the March 20, 2024 Annual District Meeting, which voters unanimously approved. Most notable was a permit condition limiting non-essential water use to no more than two days per week, which is different than our prior odd/even restrictions that were in place for over two decades.

We have developed the following Water Use Restriction Level system and will be utilizing the level 1-5 designations to quickly communicate the restrictions in place with the table below providing the details of the various levels. Look for this to be referenced in signage and notices going forward.

The new permit conditions require us to monitor the stream gauge on Nashoba Brook in North Acton. The gauge has remained above the 7-day low flow threshold of 0.57 cubic feet per second (cu ft/s) for seven consecutive days, allowing for eased restrictions. If the stream gage falls below 0.57 cu ft/s for three consecutive days, Level 3 restrictions (one day per week outdoor water use) will be reinstated.

Nonessential outdoor water uses that are subject to mandatory restrictions include lawn and landscape irrigation via aboveground sprinklers and automated irrigation systems, pool filling, vehicle washing (except in a commercial car wash) and washing of exterior surfaces (i.e. power washing). These activities are restricted to two days per week before 7AM and after 7PM. No outdoor water use is permitted on Mondays. Any violations will be subject to a fine of up to $200 per incident.

Please note that hand watering of lawns, gardens, and ornamental plantings is not subject to mandatory restrictions. Watering via harvested rainwater, a private well, or other privately owned water source is also exempt from mandatory restrictions. Limiting these activities to before 7AM and after 7PM remains encouraged as a best practice. 

Remember that now is a great time to make sure your irrigation system is properly programmed. Be sure to check your system for leaks, broken and/or inefficient heads, and test your backflow prevention device. Any property observed not abiding by the mandatory restrictions is subject to fines and possible loss of outdoor water use. Do not depend solely on your contractor to properly manage your irrigation system controller. If you are travelling and unable to manage your irrigation remotely, consider shutting it off prior to your absence.

Healthy established lawns only require up to one inch of water per week during the height of the growing season and benefit from one long soaking versus multiple short soakings. Before irrigating, check that your lawn needs it by looking at recent and forecast rainfall amounts, checking soil moisture at a 6-inch depth, and seeing if footprints remain visible when you walk on the grass.

We thank you for your cooperation and any water conservation efforts that you observe. Updates on the status of our outdoor water use restrictions in the imminent future will be communicated on our website, through our WaterSmart program, and via Twitter and Facebook @ActonWater.

Nonessential outdoor water use, 2 days per week, before 7am and after 7pm.

 Tuesday & Saturday: North Acton-North of Brook Street including Great Road from Brook Street to Littleton line

 Wednesday & Saturday: Acton Center/East Acton–North of Route 2 to South of Brook Street (562 Main Street follows this schedule) including Pope Road and Great Road to Concord line

 Thursday & Sunday: West Acton–South of Route 2 and West of Main Street (even side of Main Street follows this schedule)

 Friday & Sunday: South Acton–South of Route 2 and East of Main Street (odd side of Main Street follows this schedule)

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Need help figuring out what day you may water your lawn?

Use the map above to find your address, or enter your address below, or call the office at (978) 263-9107.

Watering Schedule:

For additional information on local hydrological conditions and weekly drought status updates, please visit these links: