Chatham Imposes Mandatory Outdoor Watering Restrictions

CHATHAM – Ongoing drought conditions in the region have prompted the select board to impose mandatory restrictions on outdoor watering to encourage water conservation.

As of May 1, all non-essential outdoor water use is limited to two days a week, based on street address. Odd numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while even numbered addresses are assigned Wednesdays and Fridays. All outdoor watering is allowed only before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.

According to a notice from the town, non-essential uses include watering of lawns using sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems; washing of vehicles, except for commercial car washes or when necessary for operator safety; and washing to exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks.

The restrictions apply only to homes and businesses on town water, not those with private wells. Officials encourage everyone to adhere to the restrictions, however, to “help protect our resources and possibly reduce greater water shortages this summer,” according to the notice.

In April the state Energy and Environmental Affairs Office declared the Cape to be in a Level 2 “significant” drought. Even though recent rains appear to be helping to recharge the region’s sole-source aquifer, United States Geological Survey wells continue to show groundwater levels below where they should be at this time of year, according to Public Works Director Rob Faley.

Groundwater levels in the USGS monitoring well in Chatham are above 2021 levels, which he said is “a good sign,” but overall levels remain about 40 percent below where they should be this time of year. Recent rains help, he added, but as temperatures warm, evaporation and vegetation growth draw more surface moisture and keep water from reaching the aquifer.

Brewster, Orleans and Harwich — all of which, like Chatham, draw drinking water from the Monomoy Lens aquifer — have also implemented outdoor water use restrictions, Faley said.

The state drought task force is scheduled to meet May 7 and will likely issue new guidance, he said.

“But we really need to take some action before then,” he told the select board April 29.

Board members said they would revisit the situation in two weeks.

“We’re prepared to be more draconian if the data says we should,” said board member Jeffrey Dykens. 

Questions about the restrictions can be directed to the water department at 508-945-5150.