City of Westfield limits outdoor water use due to ongoing drought

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The City of Westfield implemented a non-essential outdoor water use restriction issued by the state.

In a notification posted on the city's website on Monday, the Department of Public Works (DPW) announced a mandatory non-essential outdoor water use restriction due to the current drought and the Connecticut River Valley Region's status as mild.

This includes a ban on washing cars or watering your lawn, or garden. The DPW said non-essential water use is not allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Outdoor water use is allowed one day a week, based on what section your water bill indicates.

• Residents who are billed for water in January, April, July, and October are only allowed to use outdoor water for non-essential use before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. 
• Those who are billed in February, May, August, and November are allowed to use outdoor water for non-essential use before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on Thursdays.
• Those billed in March, June, September, and December are allowed to use outdoor water for non-essential use before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

The water restriction is mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine of $50. According to the drought status, the Connecticut River Valley Region has been in a mild drought status since March 1st. The Drought Management Task Force is scheduled to meet on Wednesday and will update recommendations as necessary.

In addition, the water consumption rate was increased by 20% during a Water Commission vote on January 29th, effective immediately, to $6.36 per 1,000 gallons as determined by the meter reading or through estimation. The quarterly base meter fee was also increased by 40%, rates can be found on the DPW's website.

These water rates were increased due to several factors, including a budget shortfall of $-873,040, the decline in water consumption, and an additional $1 million for loans being sold off for the Dry Bridge Treatment Plant and the Provin Tank.