For the duration of this Emergency Declaration, the Town of Bridgewater shall maintain and enforce a mandatory total ban on all nonessential outdoor water use.

As defined under 310 CMR 36.03, "nonessential outdoor water use" refers to any water application that does not meet specific criteria for health, safety, or core economic function.

Permitted Outdoor Water Use

Outdoor water use is permitted only in the following circumstances:

• Health and Safety: Usage required for public health or safety, including the operation of public cooling facilities (e.g., splash pads and swimming pools) and the washing of marine equipment to prevent saltwater damage or the spread of invasive species.
• Legal Compliance: Usage required by a specific permit, license, statute, or regulation.
• Agriculture and Livestock: The production of food (including vegetable gardens) and fiber, and the maintenance of livestock.
• Core Business Operations: Essential functions for commercial entities, including:
  • Plant Nurseries: Maintenance of existing stock.
  • Golf Courses: Maintenance of greens and tees, with limited fairway watering per 310 CMR 36.07.
  • Event Venues: Hand-held hose or drip irrigation for gardens and ornamental plants at wedding or event facilities.
  • Construction/Renovation: Professional washing of surfaces (buildings, parking lots, sidewalks) necessary for applying treatments such as paint, stucco, or pavement during active construction.
• Public and Recreational Spaces: Irrigation is permitted only before 9:00 A.M. and after 5:00 P.M. for:
  • Public parks
  • Public and private recreation fields (including school and collegiate athletic associations)
• Public Forestry: Irrigation of publicly funded shade trees and trees located within the public right-of-way.
• Soil Stabilization: Irrigation necessary to establish a new lawn following new construction or the repair/replacement of a Title 5 system.