ROCKPORT — The town’s quarry and reservoir levels are lower than expected for this time of the year when compared to the same period in previous years, and in response Rockport has implemented a total ban on outdoor water use.
Using town-supplied water outside to irrigate lawns, wash motor vehicles or fill pools may have become an extravagance as those who violate the ban could face fines.
Town officials point to extraordinarily low levels found at two town water sources — the Carlson Quarry and Flat Ledge Quarry watersheds — due to continued low rainfall and ongoing drought conditions as the basis for the total ban, which went into effect Friday. Restrictions such as odd-day only watering were in place previously.
“The DPW tracks precipitation using a rolling 12-month average and precipitation has been trending toward the lowest rolling average in several years,” Public Works Director Aaron Cilluffo said Wednesday. “Therefore, the DPW is being proactive now to hopefully allow the reservoirs to recover over the next six to eight months by reducing water demand on the overall system.”
The ban strictly prohibits residents from all outdoor water, according to a message sent Friday by the town to residents and business owners.
“An exception is made for commercial users who require water for their core business operations only,” the message said.
Cilluffo urged residents and businesses to be mindful of their water use and conserve whenever possible.
“Everyone conserving water helps the community as a whole,” he said. “One way to do this is to look for potential leaks in our home, such as a leaky faucet or toilet and have them repaired. Currently, the town is doing its part by looking for leaks in its water system. We can all play a part in conserving water.”
Cilluffo said the town’s Water Treatment Division monitors reservoir levels, and if the levels recover through precipitation and groundwater “recharge,” Public Works will ease the restrictions on outdoor water uses.
“However, this ban could remain in place for six to eight months, depending on the amount of precipitation received and the rate of groundwater recharge,” he said. “Proactive water conservation now will reduce demand and help allow for this system to recover to its appropriate levels along with receiving the needed precipitation amounts.”
Town officials have said enforcement of this ban will be overseen jointly by the Department of Public Works and the Rockport Police Department.
Cilluffo said warnings may be issued to offenders at first as not all residents may be aware of the restrictions.
“The town’s goal is to first educate people about the restriction prior to issuing a fine,” he said. “The police are the enforcing agents when issuing violations. After the initial warning, the first offense incurs a $50 fine and subsequent offenses are $100.”
In the meantime, Cilluffo said a worst-case scenario regarding the town’s water access is not something Public Works officials necessarily need to think about.
“We can all imagine what a worst-case scenario might look like, but our job isn’t to speculate about the worst case,” he said. “Our job is to work diligently and proactively every day to ensure we don’t get there. It’s easy to let your mind run with the worst-case scenarios. Our focus at the DPW is on the work we can do every day: planning ahead, monitoring conditions and being proactive to prevent those scenarios from becoming a reality.”
The good news is the restrictions that have been implemented may be short-term.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.