Community Corner
Wayland Outdoor Water Ban Remains In Effect Amid Plant Repairs
The town's full ban on nonessential outdoor water use will remain in place.
WAYLAND, MA — Wayland’s full ban on nonessential outdoor water use will remain in place as repairs continue at the Baldwin Pond Treatment Plant.
The restrictions, first issued on May 13, remain in effect due to an ongoing mechanical issue at the plant and drought conditions in northeastern Massachusetts. Wayland also activated its emergency connection with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.
The town said the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force issued a Level 3 Critical Drought for the Northeast Region on June 9, requiring the Water Division to enter a full ban on nonessential outdoor water use. Wayland was already under that level of restriction, according to the town.
In May, Wayland had issued mandatory outdoor water-use restrictions due to the Baldwin Pond Treatment Plant issue and activated its MWRA emergency connection to supplement local water supplies as needed. The town also started the season with less-severe outdoor watering limits due to reduced water production capacity.
What Is Allowed, Prohibited
The current ban prohibits lawn irrigation through sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems, washing vehicles except at commercial car washes and washing exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks except when needed for surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement, according to the town.
Some uses are still allowed, including irrigation to establish a new lawn or plantings during May and September, irrigation of public parks and recreational fields by automatic sprinklers outside 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., watering lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants with a handheld hose and water use needed for the core functions of a business, according to the town.
Violators face a written warning for a first offense and a $100 fine for a second offense, according to the town. A third or later offense can result in a notice of water service termination within no less than seven days, or a $200 fine, and reconnection fees apply if service is shut off.
The restrictions will remain in place until repairs at the Baldwin Pond plant are complete or drought conditions improve.
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