Pittsfield To Start Mandatory Water Restrictions Beginning 9/16

The City of Pittsfield’s implementation of mandatory water restrictions will begin Wednesday, Sept. 16.

Here's the Press Release from the City of Pittsfield and the Mayor's Office:

With reservoir levels for the City of Pittsfield’s water supply now below the 8 feet marker, the city will implement mandatory water restrictions beginning, Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The move comes nearly two weeks after the city announced its move toward Stage 2 of its drought management plan. In late August, the state’s Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs issued a declaration of a Level 2 Significant Drought in all seven regions of the Commonwealth.

Under Stage 2, restricted activities include outside water use in general, watering lawns and gardens, washing vehicles, and filling swimming pools. These activities are only permitted before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. and are limited to alternate days. Addresses ending in even numbers may water on even days of the month. Addresses ending in odd numbers may water on odd days of the month.

Please be aware that these restrictions will be enforced by the Department of Public Services and Utilities and will include fines for violations. These include a written warning for the first violation; a $50 fine for the second violation; and $300 for subsequent violations.

“Over the last month, we have noticed the positive impact voluntary water conservation has had on our reservoirs by slowing down the decline. That said, we have to initiate mandatory restrictions to continue conservation efforts,” said Commissioner Ricardo Morales, of the Department of Public Services and Utilities. “With these measures in place, the goal is to further slow the decline and ensure adequate water supply.”

For more information, please contact the Department of Public Services and Utilities at 413-499- 9330 or email dpw@cityofpittsfield.org.