WAYLAND, MA — Wayland residents will face new limits on outdoor water use beginning May 1, after the town said it needs to conserve water due to reduced production capacity.
Nonessential outdoor water use will be prohibited townwide between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to the Wayland DPW's Water Division. The town said the restrictions are being put in place under local bylaws and its state water permit due to reduced water production and to maintain tank levels for fire protection and normal consumption.
Under the new rules, automatic underground sprinkler systems may be used only on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting at 5 p.m. and continuing until 9 a.m. the following day.
The town said restricted uses include lawn irrigation through sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems, vehicle washing outside commercial car washes, and washing building exteriors, parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks except when needed for surface treatments.
Some watering will still be allowed. The town said residents may use a hand-held hose for lawns, gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants. Irrigation to establish new lawns or plantings in May and September is also permitted, as is irrigation of public parks and recreational fields outside the daytime restricted hours.
The restrictions will remain in place until well withdrawal conditions improve, according to the notice.
Wayland also outlined escalating penalties for violations. A first offense brings a written warning. A second offense carries a $100 fine. A third or subsequent offense can result in either a $200 fine or termination of water service, with reconnection fees starting at $275 and increasing after business hours.
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