Town of Blackstone Urges Residents to Conserve Water as Drought Conditions Persist
BLACKSTONE — Town Administrator Chad Lovett and Department of Public Works Superintendent Jimmy Sullivan report that the Town of Blackstone urges residents to minimize water use as drought conditions persist throughout Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has declared a Level 3 drought in the Central Region. Due to unprecedented low rainfall, the Commonwealth is experiencing significant drought conditions, and groundwater levels are declining in all regions.
Blackstone water system users are asked to minimize overall water use and be particularly mindful of indoor water use. Water conservation plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of water resources during a drought. All nonessential outdoor water uses are banned.
Nonessential outdoor water uses subject to mandatory restrictions include lawn irrigation, vehicle washing, and washing of exterior buildings, parking lots, driveways, or sidewalks.
Residents can significantly reduce water wastage by implementing simple yet impactful practices like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and capturing rainwater.
Residents can conserve water by checking faucets, toilets, and pipes for leaks. Other ways to conserve water include taking shorter showers, installing water-saving showerheads and low-flow toilets, and using the washing machine and dishwasher with full loads.
Conserving water not only helps in mitigating the effects of drought but also contributes to saving money on water bills. Every drop counts, and residents can make a substantial difference by being mindful of their water usage.
The Town of Blackstone also shares the following tips from the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission on ways to conserve water:
• Choose native plants or plants and turf that need less water.
• Use mulch to reduce evaporation and moderate soil temperature.
• Leave grass clippings on lawns to shade and return nutrients to the soil.
• Sweep driveways, walkways, patios, and other outdoor areas with a broom rather than hosing them off.
• Turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving (“Never let the water run.”)
• Take shorter showers and use water-saving showerheads.
• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.
• Fix leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes as soon as you notice them.
For more information and tips, visit www.mass.gov/ma-drought-management.
