For Immediate Release
CONTACTS:
Harry C. Hibbard
W 781.740.6694
C 781.248.6733
Aquarion Water Company Calls for
Mandatory Outdoor Water Conservation
HINGHAM, July 6, 2010 – Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts today activated the company’s Mandatory Water Restrictions Program for customers in Millbury and Oxford effective Tuesday, July 6, 2010. The move is caused by the continued high water demands the company is experiencing as the result the current period of hot and dry weather.
Under the Restrictions, outdoor watering is allowed on an odd/even basis between 6 PM and 9 PM using hand-held watering devices only. The Restrictions do not allow permanent irrigation systems or unattended sprinklers to be used. Under the odd/even water schedule, odd numbered street addresses may water on odd numbered days and even numbered addresses may water on even numbered days using hand-held hoses only between 6 and 9 p.m. Hand-held hoses allow water to be directed to the specific area of need. Irrigation systems are to be shut off immediately.
Under Aquarion’s Rules and Regulations approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, failure to comply with the mandatory restrictions will first result in a written warning. Subsequent violations can result in the discontinuance of water service with termination and restoration fees ranging from a minimum of $50.00 to $325.00 depending on the day of the week, time of day and holidays.
“In this phase, we are asking customers to restrict their watering to plants, vegetables and shrubbery. Please allow nature to dictate the color of your lawn.” said Harry Hibbard, Aquarion Vice President of Operations. “In addition, we are asking customers to eliminate all other nonessential outdoor water use, as well as to conserve water within the home.”
“Rainfall for April, May and June is down by over 52% compared to a 50-year average for the same months,” Hibbard said. “In addition, the lack of rain since June 21, combined with a significant heat wave, has prompted more outside watering by customers. This has placed a significant strain on our water supply.”
Under the MA DEP Water Management Act, Aquarion is only allowed to pump an average of 3.51 million gallons per day (MGD) on an annual basis. “During the summer, we have found that water usage increases about 150% or more, and most of that increase is due to outside watering through the use of irrigation systems.” said Hibbard.
Aquarion recommends several ways to use water wisely inside the home to help in the water conservation effort:
- Avoid running your dishwasher and washing machine with partial loads.
- Repair all leaks.
- Turn off the water while shaving, brushing your teeth and washing your face or hands.
- Fill water jugs and refrigerate to avoid running the water to get it cold.
Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts, an Aquarion subsidiary, is the public water supply company for some 18,500 homes and businesses, including Millbury, Oxford, Hingham, Hull, and North Cohasset, Massachusetts.
For additional information and conservation tips call the Aquarion Water Company Customer Service Department at 1-800-928-3734, or visit our website at www.aquarionwater.com
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