Hopkinton Clerk Provides Link to Save Water Use

Hopkinton Town Clerk Ann Click has provided this street-listing link for residents so they can determine which precinct they're in to follow the mandatory summer water ban, which is in effect until Sept. 30.

So far, spring has been so wet that keeping the grass cut has been more difficult than keeping it green.

But however the summer turns out, here are the rules.

No lawn watering at all on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

For residents and businesses in Precincts 1 and 3, lawn watering is OK before 9 and after 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For residents and businesses in Precincts 2 and 4, watering  is OK before 9 and after 5 on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Car-washing and pool-filling are permitted any day before 9 and after 5.

Wells are exempt from the ban. The rules are for town water only. 

Some tips from the Hopkinton Water Department:

Leave sprinkler systems off. Only use them when needed.

Evaluate your sprinkler's performance. Most systems can probably cut their times in half and satisfy the lawn’s need.

Check sprinkler heads' aim. Don't water the street, driveway or sidewalk. Make sure the heads aren't leaking.

Check sinks and toilets for leaks. Toilets are the No. 1 culprit for water loss. The water department 508.497.9765 will supply you with dye tabs that can be placed in the tank and turn the water blue if you have a leak. You can also use food coloring. If the color has changed after an hour, you probably have a leak.

If you have an old 6-gallon toilet, think about replacing it with the new 1.6-gallon toilet.

If you are in the market for a new washing machine, front loaders save over 40 percent in water consumption while doing a better job.

Outside

 1. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every 5 to 7 days in summer. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering for as long as two weeks.

2. Water during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are low. 

3. Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches. A high-cut lawn encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture.

4. Don't over-fertilize. Fertilizers increase the need for water. Use organic. Fertilize before rain is predicted.

5. Mulch retains moisture and helps control weeds that compete with plants for water.

6. Plant native and drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees.

7. Don't hose down your driveway. Use a broom. 

8. Use hose washers between spigots and hoses to eliminate leaks.

9. Don't leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn it off.

10. Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Park on the grass if you wash your own car.

Inside

Don’t run the water while brushing your teeth.

Fill the sink half-way when shaving.

Take shorter showers.

Use the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. 

Buy water saving devices, such as low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators. Not only will you help conserve water, you will lower your water and sewer bill.

Fix leaks. Ninety-five percent of the water department's calls for high water bills, turn out to be internal leaks. 

To check for leaks if you have a Neptune or Sensus meter, make sure no water is running in your house. Then watch the small red or black triangular low-flow indicator dial on the meter head. If it is moving, you have a leak. 

If you notice a drop in water pressure or unusual wet areas, please call  508.497.9765 to have it checked. A pinhole in your service line, although not going through your meter, can add up to more than one million gallons per year!