Norfolk Reporter

Record low rainfall has led to significant drought conditions in Weymouth and 90 percent of Massachusetts. Water level at Great Pond, the town’s main water source, has dropped nearly four (4) feet since the end of April. That is the biggest drop during that period in the last 20 years. Overall year-to-date precipitation is the lowest it’s been in the past 20 years, with less than 20 inches of total precipitation in 2022.

While the pond levels have not dropped to a level that would trigger an automatic water ban, The Town is implementing voluntary water conservation measures and some restrictions, effective August 1, 2022.

“Given the current drought conditions with no relief in the forecast, we must start water conservation measures as a community, particularly curbing nonessential outdoor water use, to reduce stress on our local water supply systems and natural habitats,” said DPW Director Kenan Connell.

The Town is requesting that Weymouth residents and businesses begin to take water conservation measures immediately. It is the Town’s hope that with cooperation of these voluntary measures we will avoid more stringent measures.

Weymouth is implementing these voluntary water restrictions:

• Do not use automatic water devices including sprinklers and soaker hoses.
• Only use hand-held hoses between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Do not wash vehicles with town’s water supply.

In addition, the Town is implementing these water restriction policies:

• Prohibit the filling of swimming pools from the Town’s supply.
• Prohibit (not permit) organized car washes.

Below are additional ways Weymouth residents can conserve water throughout the current drought.

In the Yard:

• Stop watering your lawn during drought conditions: Most lawns can survive extended dry periods without watering - they will turn brown, but will revive once the rain returns.
• Capture and reuse rainwater: Use cisterns or rain barrels to capture rainwater from downspouts for use in your yard. A lid, mesh fabric or several drops of baby oil on the surface will prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
• Use plants that need less water: There are many varieties of low water use plants that can withstand dry summers and that actually thrive in drier soil.

In the House:

• Reuse clean household water: Collect all the water that is wasted while waiting for the hot water to reach your faucet or showerhead. Use this to water your houseplants or outdoor planters. Do the same with water that is used to boil eggs or steam vegetables.
• Garbage disposal alternatives: Avoid using your garbage disposal.
• Fix leaking faucets and toilets: Research has shown that an average of 8% (or more) of all home water use is wasted through leaks. Test for a leaking toilet by lifting the lid off the toilet tank and putting a few drops of food coloring into the bowl. Wait a few minutes, then look in the bowl. If the food coloring has made its way there, you have a leak.
• Install a low-flow toilet: Low-flow toilets need only 1.6 gallons per flush, saving thousands of gallons per year. Unlike earlier models, low flow toilets available today receive high marks from consumers for overall performance. Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket: Every flush you eliminate can save between two and seven gallons of water.
• Brush teeth efficiently: Don't let the water run while you brush your teeth or shave. Turn the faucet on briefly to rinse. An electric razor saves water. Conserve water in the tub: Take showers instead of a bath and save 30 gallons. Filling the bathtub uses about 50 gallons of water. Try filling it just half way.
• Shorten your shower by one minute: Cut back on your shower time and you will rack up big savings in water and energy. If you really want to try and save water, limit your shower time to five minutes or less. Also, install a water-saving showerhead that uses two-and-a-half gallons per minute.
• Wash only full loads of laundry: You'll not only save water, but energy as well. Consider purchasing a new water- and energy-efficient clothes washer: Look for the Energy Star labeled products and save more water in one year than a person drinks in a lifetime. These units create less wear and tear on clothes, clean better, and use less detergent. Some electric utilities offer rebates for qualified models.

Original source can be found here.