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Region at Level 1 – Mild Drought

MILLBURY, Mass. – April 17, 2024 – Aquarion Water Company today announced the start of a mandatory outdoor water conservation program. Beginning on May 1, this schedule applies to all Millbury and Oxford customers. The conservation program helps to ensure a sustainable drinking water supply, protect natural resources and streamflow for aquatic life, and comply with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection requirements and the region’s current drought level status.

Under this mandatory, once-weekly schedule, non-essential outdoor water use is allowed one day per week before 9:00 am and after 5:00 pm per the schedule below. Non-essential water use includes irrigation of lawns by sprinklers and automatic irrigation systems, vehicle washing, and washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, and driveways. Watering of plants and gardens is allowed with drip irrigation, hand-held hose, or watering can.

Aquarion recommends several ways to use water wisely inside and outside the home:

• Repair water leaks – check your toilet for leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If food coloring appears in the bowl after 15 minutes, the tank mechanism needs repair
• Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators
• Turn off the water while shaving, brushing your teeth, and washing your face or hands
• Use a broom or blower instead of water to clean decks, driveways, and sidewalks
• Allow grass to grow longer – taller grass shades itself, is healthier, and requires less water
• Use a rain barrel to fill watering cans, connect a garden hose, feed a drip irrigation system, and for other outdoor chores

The mandatory conservation program is in effect from May 1 to September 30 and follows the requirements below:

For the latest information about this mandatory schedule, visit www.aquarionwater.com/watering.

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