City Expands Voluntary Water Use Restrictions

The City of New Bedford is expanding voluntary restrictions on daytime water use to help conserve municipal resources during drought conditions throughout the Northeast.

The City’s reservoir remains at a manageable level. Nevertheless, given forecasts of continued drought, New Bedford is expanding its voluntary, seasonal restrictions on nonessential outdoor water use by residents and businesses. These restrictions expand initial measures in July that discouraged daytime lawn watering.

The City strongly suggests that residents and businesses adhere to the following guidelines and avoid nonessential watering activities and water use, including:

• Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
• Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety
• Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks
• Installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping
• Watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall
• Washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding)
• Personal vehicle or boat washing
• Operation of non-recirculating fountains
• Filling of swimming pools

These are voluntary measures to help conserve municipal resources. The City will continue to monitor drought conditions and will adjust the measures if necessary.

All water users should limit their nonessential water use throughout the year by implementing practices such as capturing rain in rain barrels, hand-watering, using car washes that recycle water, and installing low-flow water fixtures in their homes.

— August 25, 2022