Outdoor Water Use Restrictions

Summary of Revised Outdoor Water Use Restrictions - Guidance Document 

Restrictions During Times Of Drought:

Please note that to comply with the requirements of the latest Water Management Act (WMA) Registration Statement that is provided by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, there are additional restrictions on nonessential water usage during times of drought. The additional restrictions are triggered when the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs declares or updates the drought status for the region (Wilmington is located in the Northeast Region).

The restrictions are summarized as follows:

Level 0 (Normal) Regular minimum water use restrictions in place. For Wilmington, these restrictions are the same as Level 1 restrictions below.

Level 1 (Mild Drought).  All nonessential outdoor water uses restricted to no more than one day per week, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., except that watering of ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-held hose or watering cans may be permitted.

Level 2 (Significant Drought). All nonessential outdoor water uses banned, except that watering of ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-held hose or watering cans may be permitted.

Level 3 (Critical Drought) or Level 4 (Drought Emergency). All nonessential outdoor water uses are banned. (current status as of May 22, 2026) 

What is the definition of “nonessential outdoor water use”?

Under the new water Registration, “nonessential outdoor water use” is defined as an outdoor use of water not used for: specific health and safety reasons, for the production of food including vegetable gardens, maintenance of livestock, to provide core functions of certain businesses, irrigation of public parks and public/private recreation fields before 9am and after 5pm, and for other select conditions as outlined in the Registration. 

How will I know the drought status?

Drought status updates will be published on the Town’s website, on official Town social media, in the newspaper, or by such other means reasonably calculated to reach and inform all users of water of the state of water supply conservation. 

Year-Round Minimum Water Use Restrictions:

• No Outdoor Watering between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. 
• Sprinkler Systems: Both above ground and installed underground sprinklers may only be used once per week, subject to the above restrictions. 

Other outside water use is restricted to HAND HELD HOSES ONLY.

VIOLATION OF THE WATER USE RESTRICTIONS
WILL RESULT IN A
$50.00 FINE FOR 1ST VIOLATION, $100 FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION

We thank you in advance for your cooperation.