Wrentham Bans Outdoor Water Use

Wrentham has declared a Stage V water ban, which prohibits all outdoor water use, with no exceptions.
The U.S. Drought Monitor now warns that over half of Massachusetts is in an “extreme” drought condition, and state officials have asked residents to conserve water, both indoors and out. Homes and businesses that draw from private wells are also asked to conserve.
Mike Lavin, Wrentham’s Superintendent of Public Works, does not expect the ban to be lifted any time soon. “It has taken many months for the drought to reach this severity and it will likely take many months for the aquifers to recover,” he said.
The town draws water from both the Charles River aquifer and the Taunton aquifer, according to Lavin. Sixty other communities also draw water from those aquifers. Lake Pearl is spring-fed from the bottom of the aquifer, said Lavin, adding that some residents have questioned the severity of the drought because the water level of Lake Pearl does not seem affected.
“If residents want to see a true indication of the severity of the drought, they should take a look at Turnpike Lake or Trout Pond,” suggested Lavin.
He adds that residents have been extremely cooperative in complying with the ban, understanding and appreciating the public safety concerns because of the severe conditions.
“Water is one of our most precious resources,” Lavin observed. “I think taking its availability for granted may be a thing of the past.”
Wrentham residents are advised to visit the town’s website (www.wrentham.ma.us) for more information about the Stage V ban.