Georgetown Water Department Lifts Water Ban

GEORGETOWN — The Georgetown Water Department would like to announce that the water ban has been lifted.

The Parker River streamflow has returned to appropriate levels, enabling the lifting of the ban.

Residents can now resume non-essential outdoor water use. While the ban is lifted the river’s streamflow has not returned to normal historic levels and residents should still make an effort to conserve water.

Residents with questions regarding the water ban lift should contact the Georgetown Water Department at 978-352-5750.

The Water Department will be closed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 2. Please call the non-emergency number 978-352-5700 if you are in need of assistance.

 

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Georgetown Water Department Announces Phase 4 Water Use Restriction

***Georgetown remains in a Phase 4 Drought. Map Updated Nov. 14, 2022***

The Georgetown Water Department announces that the town is under a Phase 4 water restriction, which bans all unattended non-essential outdoor water use.

The Board of Water Commissioners voted on Monday, Aug. 8, to further restrict water use. The Parker River streamflow, a key source of water to the community, is essentially dry at 0.1 cubic feet per second.

Water Department staff will be monitoring outdoor use by residential and commercial customers. Violation of the restrictions carries increasing penalties:

  • First violation: Verbal or written warning of non-compliance. The Water Department has created door hangers to notify parties that are out of compliance.
  • Second violation: $150 fine
  • Third violation: $400 fine
  • Fourth violation: Discontinuation of water service

By Water Department policy, the restriction may be lifted after seven consecutive days of increasing flow.

“It’s vital that we as a community work together to protect our water supply both for drinking and for fire service protection,” said Utility Director Marlene Ladderbush. “Thank you to our residents and businesses for their understanding and cooperation.”

Georgetown Water Department Enhances Water Restrictions to Phase 3

The Georgetown Water Department has enhanced its active water restriction to Phase 3 due to ongoing and increasing drought conditions. This is a result of reduced streamflow of 0.5 cubic feet per second in Byfield.

What does this mean? 

  • Non-essential outdoor watering is banned between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Unattended non-essential outdoor watering is restricted to one day per week
    • Odd house numbers may conduct non-essential outdoor watering before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. on Thursdays
    • Even house numbers may conduct non-essential outdoor watering before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. on Tuesdays
    • Sprinklers may not be used on the weekends

What You Should Know About How Drought Status is Determined

Just because it may have rained recently, it’s important to know that it’s not always enough to improve drought conditions in the area.

See the fact sheet below for more information about how drought conditions are measured. You can learn more about drought management at the state level by clicking here.

Additionally, the Georgetown Water Department has a four-phase water restriction policy, which you can learn more about below: