Ashland, MA (July 30, 2020)- The Town of Ashland has entered into Stage One outdoor water use restriction effective immediately until further notice. With the lack of rainfall, the Hopkinton Reservoir level has dropped to 295.85 feet. The town bylaw states that should the reservoir fall below this level between the days of June 1 through August 31 a water ban will be in effect.
The restrictions in Stage 1 are as follows according to the Town Bylaw:
i. Unattended watering using municipally-supplied water is prohibited
ii. Car washing: Car or vehicle washing using municipally-supplied water is prohibited.
iii. Washing of structures: Washing of structures including but not limited to buildings, houses, sheds, driveways, sidewalks, decks, fences, or patios using municipally supplied water is prohibited.
iv. Swimming Pools: Filling and topping off of swimming pools larger than 300 gallons, using municipally-supplied water is prohibited.
Should the dry conditions continue, the town will reach Stage 2 if the Hopkinton reservoir drop below 295.35 or daily use over 5.90 mg.
Restrictions for Stage 2 include:
i. All Stage 1 Restrictions.
ii. Handheld watering using municipally-supplied water is prohibited
The Town, acting through the Select Board as water commissioners, retains the right to impose additional restrictions with due notice to residents.