Residents Asked to Conserve Water as New Bedford is Under Drought Watch

92% of Massachusetts is experiencing some level of drought conditions. The State Executive Office of Energy and Environment has upgraded Southeastern Massachusetts from "drought advisory" to "drought watch".

New Bedford Department of Public Infrastructure Commissioner Zeb Arruda tells WBSM News the lack of rain has depleted the City's reservoir by a foot of water. "It's not dangerous, but it does cause concern and we want to be prepared," says Arruda. "If we go into a voluntary conservation of water, and everyone does their part, we shouldn't have any issues to worry about going forward."

The City is asking residents to try to limit their water usage. Residents looking to water their lawns and gardens are advised to use a watering can rather than a hose, and avoid watering between 9am and 5pm to reduce the effects of evaporation. Inside the house, residents can take shorter showers, wash only full loads of laundry and dishes, and turn off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving.

MORE WATER CONSERVATION TIPS 

OUTDOOR WATER USE

1. If you are in a region in Drought Watch (Moderate to Severe Drought Conditions): Limit watering to hand-held only or drip irrigation outside the hours of 9am - 5pm to avoid evaporative losses.  To check your drought region and status go to: www.mass.gov/dcr/drought. See DCR and DEP web pages for more outdoor water saving tips.
2. Cover swimming pools when not in use to prevent evaporative losses.
3. Sweep driveways, walks, patios, and other outdoor areas with a broom rather than hosing them off. If water is necessary, use a water-conserving pressurized cleaning device . A water-conserving pressurized cleaning device is one that either (a) discharges water at a minimum of 1,000 pounds per square inch (psi), or (b) is rated at using less than three gallons of water per minute.
4. Where possible wash vehicles using a bucket and sponge, employing a hose with a shut-off nozzle for rinse only, or, if available, use a commercial car wash that recycles water (most do).

INDOOR WATER USE

1. Take Shorter Showers: 5 minutes or less.
2. Wash only Full loads of laundry and dishes.
3. Turn off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving.
4. Fix Leaks in the Building. Dripping faucets and leaking toilets can add up to hundreds of gallons of water lost per week.
5. Avoid using the garbage disposal: create a kitchen compost instead.