Full Outdoor Water Restrictions To Return Sept. 30

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington will return to full outdoor water restriction, Wednesday. Automatic and sprinkler lawn irrigation will be prohibited until March 30.

The Board of Selectmen voted to approve the latest restriction at their recent meeting. The restriction is necessary for the town to access Lexington water supply, so the town can clean and upgrade the Mill Pond Treatment Plant.

After an initial warning, violators will face a $50 fine and then subsequent $100 fines. The fines are non-criminal dispositions.

The town is working toward joining the Massachusetts Regional Water Authority. Public Works Director John Sanchez told the Board that the town hopes to get an important vote from the Water Resources Commission in November, followed by final votes from the Authority.

The following uses remain permitted at all times:

• Watering of gardens, flowers, and ornamental plantings by means of a hand-held hose only.
• Car washing and filling of pools
• To meet core functions of a business or commercial activity
• Applying necessary surface treatments (aka washing exterior surfaces) such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement, or cement.

In Sept., Oct., April and May, residents can seek written permission from the public works department to water to establish a new lawn

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.