*STATE OF WATER SUPPLY CONSERVATION NOW IN EFFECT*
Effective immediately (July 06, 2024), the Orange Water Department (OWD) is implementing a State of Water Supply Conservation for users of the Orange public water supply. Reduced stream flow in the Millers River has triggered the need for this water use restriction. According to the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the restriction is necessary to protect stream flow for aquatic life and ensure a sustainable water supply.
An immediate ban on non-essential outdoor water uses is required. The water uses banned include:
* Irrigation of lawns and watering of gardens, flowers and ornamental plants (except by means of a hand held hose between the hours of 5 PM – 9 AM).
* Washing of vehicles, other than by commercial car wash.
* Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as needed to apply paints, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.
MassDEP requires that water restrictions be implemented when stream flow in the Millers River drops below 186 cubic feet per second (83,477 gallons per minute) for a 3-day period. The restriction can be lifted when stream flow rises above that level for 7 consecutive days. OWD will notify the public when the restriction is lifted.
Any person found violating these water restrictions is subject to the fines established in Section 9 of the Town’s Water Use Restriction Bylaw. These fines are $50 for the first violation and $100 for the second and subsequent violations. Each day of violation shall be considered a separate offense.
