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TOWN OF
HOPKINTON
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
WATER/SEWER DIVISION
85 WOOD STREET
P.O. BOX 171
HOPKINTON, MA 01748
Phone 508-497-9765
Fax 508-497-9767
As required by our water permit with the State, beginning May 1st
through September 30th of each year, outdoor lawn watering will only be
allowed a maximum of twice per week. The days of the week and allowable
hours of use will be stated in the declaration each year and it will be
determined by
 precinct.
There are other triggers in the permit based on stream flows that could
further reduce that to one day a week. The restriction is being imposed
by the State and is in effect each year regardless of the weather
conditions. This condition is being placed on most water suppliers as
their permits come up for renewal.
Under the requirements of the town’s water management permit with the
State, to limit nonessential outdoor use, to protect stream flow,
aquatic life and ensure sustainable drinking water, we are required to
implement a MANDATORY State of Water Supply Conservation from May 1st ,
through September 30th . No non-essential watering is permitted except
that sprinklers may be used for lawn watering up to two days per week,
outside of the hours of 9:00am to 5:00pm. People residing in precinct
one and two may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Precincts three and
four may water on Wednesday and Fridays. There shall be no lawn watering
on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. For a listing of precincts, please go to:
http://www.hopkinton.org/gov/clerk/street.htm and the map at
http://www.hopkinton.org/gov/dpw/water/precinct.htm
As we saw last year with the second driest summer and fall ever
recorded, we are not immune from droughts. It is imperative that
everyone who has and automatic sprinkler system, have it set for only
the bare minimum that is required for their grass and other landscape
needs. A normal lawn only needs about 1” of water per week. If rain is
expect, or has just occurred then your system should be shut off for the
remainder of the week in order to avoid unnecessary and wasteful water
use. You should check to ensure that your system in not dispensing more
that what is needed during a dry week as well. Because of the twice per
week restriction, some people think they need to run their system longer
on those days to maintain a green lawn, which is not the case. Your
irrigation company can set your sprinklers to maintain the minimum
amount required. It is only with each individual water user’s diligence
toward efficient water use, that we will be able to maintain safe water
levels in case of drought.
The following are the penalties for non-compliance with the state
restrictions. Any person violating this By-law shall receive a written
warning for the first offense. For the second offense, any person
violating this By-law shall be liable to the Town in the amount of
$100.00, which shall inure to the Town for such uses as the DPW Director
may direct. For any violations beyond the second offense, water service
may be suspended. Fines shall be recovered by inclusion as a charge on
the next scheduled water bill.
The Water Department will be keeping users apprised of the current
restriction through several methods. There are multiple signs located at
the following locations.
Location of Water Use Restriction Signs
Main St. @ Exxon
West Main @ Wood St. West Bound
Wood St. @ Westboro Line East Bound
Pond & Spring Intersection
South & West Main Intersection West Bound
West Main @ Pleasant East Bound
West Main @ School West Bound
Ash @ Park South Bound
Hayden Rowe @ Tennis Courts South Bound
Hayden Rowe @ Chestnut North Bound
East Main St. @ TJ’S West Bound
We will also be utilizing the town websites, newspapers, cable TV and
the Connect City phone call system. For a listing of your precinct
please go to: http://www.hopkinton.org/gov/clerk/street.htm
For tips on minimizing water use out doors, please visit our web site @
http://www.hopkinton.org/gov/dpw/water/conservation.htm#outdoortips
The State will be monitoring the outdoor use by means of our annual
reporting reflective of water meter readings. If the required goals are
not met, the State may impose strict, enforcement orders on the town.
These may include but are not limited to monetary fines, non-compliance
regulatory action, and suspension or denial of any state funding.
We ask that you please adhere to all regulations and if you have any
questions please give us a call.
Regards,
Eric J. Carty
Water/Sewer Manager
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