*STATE OF WATER SUPPLY CONSERVATION NOW IN EFFECT*
Effective immediately (May 01, 2025), the Orange Water Department (OWD) is implementing a State of Water Supply Conservation for users of the Orange public water supply. The MA Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) currently has our area listed in a Level 1 Mild drought, and as of May 01, 2025, due to the Water Departments Water Withdrawal Permit requirements, we must implement our outdoor water use restrictions until such time as the MA DMTF declares and lists our area out of a drought status, or October 1, 2025 for this current Level 1 status. Their next meeting is scheduled for May 7, 2025, at which time they will update region condition status declarations as determined in the meeting. According to the Mass Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), 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.
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.
