State of Water Emergency Declared in Burlington
Dry conditions have led to the opening of the town's emergency connection with the MWRA; outdoor watering restrictions are in place until further notice.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued a mandate for the town of Burlington to restrict all non-essential outdoor water use until further notice. This comes as hot, dry weather has contributed to the depletion of the town's water stores at Mill Pond and led to the opening of the town's connection with the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) service.
An outdoor watering restriction was declared earlier this month, with residents and businesses only allowed to use outdoor irrigation systems every other evening. This represents an escalation of these restrictions; according to the Town of Burlington website, "The only authorized outdoor water uses are for health and safety purposes, uses required by regulation, and uses that are needed to meet the core functions of a business or organization." Water conservation measures are a requirement of the town's agreement with the MWRA.
Individuals and businesses not following these restrictions may face fines of up to $100 for each violation.
To be notified of water bans and other important town issues and events, you can sign up for the town's RAVE alert system.
