District Headquarters
50 Elm St., Dedham, MA 02026
During Office Hours:
781-329-7090
After Hours Emergency:
781-326-1250
50 Elm St., Dedham, MA 02026
781-329-7090
781-326-1250
The Commission will invoke Water Use Restrictions in accordance with Rule 28 – Water Conservation Plan listed in the District’s Rules & Regulations when the total safe yield of all well fields are depleted to a point that the ratio between the estimated safe yield and the weekly average of system delivery is below 125%.
| Drought Level | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Stage I |
VOLUNTARY
The public is requested to refrain voluntarily from non-essential outdoor watering, including watering lawns or other vegetation, washing vehicles, unnecessary washing down driveways and sidewalks, and other uses of water hoses, and to conserve water from affected public water supplies in all other practicable ways. Dedham: Mondays and Thursdays Westwood: Tuesdays and Fridays |
| Stage II |
MANDATORY!
Non-essential outdoor watering is restricted by town to TWO DAYS A WEEK. Watering is ONLY allowed between 6-9 a.m. and 6-9 p.m. Handheld hoses may be used for flower and vegetable gardens without hour or day restrictions. Dedham: Mondays and Thursdays Westwood: Tuesdays and Fridays |
| Stage III |
MANDATORY!
Non-essential outdoor watering is restricted by town to ONE DAY A WEEK. Watering is ONLY allowed between 6-9 a.m. and 6-9 p.m. Handheld hoses may be used for flower and vegetable gardens without hour or day restrictions. Dedham: Thursday Westwood: Tuesday |
| Stage IV |
MANDATORY!
All non-essential outdoor water uses are BANNED! Handheld hoses may be used for flower and vegetable gardens without hour or day restrictions. |
Customers that do not comply with mandatory water restrictions will be subject to fines or other penalties!
| Violation | Penalty/Fine |
|---|---|
| First Violation | Warning |
| Second Violation | $100 Fine |
| Third and Subsequent Violations | $250 Fine AND discontinuance of water service. A reactivation fee of $250 will be charged BEFORE water service is restored! |
MassDEP defines nonessential outdoor water use means a use that is not required.
According to the Commonwealth’s Water Management Regulations, 310 CMR 36.03, Essential Water Uses Include:
Including public facilities used for cooling, such as splash pads and swimming pools, and for washing boats, engines, or marine equipment to prevent negative saltwater impacts or the transfer of invasive aquatic species.
Including those operated by schools, colleges, universities, and athletic associations, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
As necessary to stabilize soil in response to new construction or following the repair or replacement of a Title 5 system.
Dedham and Westwood are located in the Southeast Region of the Commonwealth, Norfolk County. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs classified the Southeast Region as experiencing level 0-normal conditions.
A drought is a prolonged period of little to no rainfall that results in a water shortage. Drought conditions reduce the streamflow and levels of natural watersheds, such as the Neponset and Charles Rivers, located near the District’s groundwater wells.
The District’s water supply comes from seventeen groundwater wells between Dedham and Westwood. Groundwater is water found in sand and gravel pore spaces below the earth’s surface.
Depending on the severity of drought conditions, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has required the District to cease using its highest-yielding groundwater well when the streamflow of the Neponset River falls below 12.6 cubic feet per second.
No. The District already purchases water from the MWRA to ensure an adequate supply to protect public health and safety during peak water use in the summer.
MassDEP does not allow the District to forgo water restrictions by purchasing additional water from the MWRA.
No, compliance is not mandatory. However, DWWD encourages users to reduce their water use to ensure their groundwater well can meet their demand.
If you have a private well for outdoor irrigation, the District strongly encourages placing a placard out stating your water is sourced from well water.
No, there are no exemptions or waivers for the restrictions. If you have extenuating circumstances that impact health or safety, please contact the district by email or phone at 781-329-7090.
How can I stay informed about water restriction updates?
Updates to the status of water restrictions can be found:
– Online at www.dwwd.org
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Instagram
