New Bedford Implements Voluntary Water Restrictions

You don't have to be a meteorologist to recognize the fact that the SouthCoast is experiencing some extreme drought conditions this summer.  All you have to do is look out the window at your lawn.

Unless you have an automatic sprinkler system and you're not afraid of seeing a dramatic spike in your water bill, you and your neighbors are looking at the brownest, most sunburnt lawn you've seen in years.

As the drought continues, with no sign of the string of rainy days needed to turn this thing around, New Bedford has decided to implement a voluntary water ban effective immediately.

The biggest request is to limit non-essential use of water to off-peak times, specifically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Examples of non-essential water use are watering lawns with an automatic irrigation system, and washing cars, buildings, driveways, sidewalks and parking lots. New Bedford is strongly suggesting to limit this type of water usage to early morning or evening.

The volunteer water restrictions do not apply to those who water their lawns, gardens and flowers with handheld hoses.  Businesses that require water use (such as car washes) are also exempt.

The SouthCoast has been at a Level 2 Significant Drought status since May 1. This was the only region that had a drought warning dating back to the beginning of April, the city said.

According to a press release from the city, reserving nonessential water usage to off-peak hours increases the efficiency of water use.