MANDATORY Water Restrictions

Household Conservation  |  Irrigation Conservation  |  Water Conservation FAQs

Please be advised that in response to the level 1 drought declaration (see USGS Chart below) and lower than average groundwater levels the Harwich Water Department will be implementing a mandatory odd/even watering schedule effective immediately.

The odd/even watering schedule is based upon house number and calendar date. Properties with odd numbers may water on odd number calendar days and properties with even numbers may water on even number calendar days. Example: 53 is ODD, 54 is EVEN.  Outdoor watering done during periods of water restriction shall occur between the hours of 4:00 – 8:00AM and 5:00 – 9:00PM.

******** Update May 26, 2021 *********

The department has been made aware that certain irrigation system controllers cannot be programmed to operate on an odd/even watering cycle as the controller only allows users to select which days of the week to operate. Where an odd/even watering cycle cannot be accommodated due to limitations of the irrigation controller, property owners may implement the follow watering schedule:

Properties having an odd house number may water on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between the hours of 4:00am-8:00am and 5:00pm-9:00pm

Properties having an even house number may water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday between the hours of 4:00am-8:00am and 5:00pm-9:00pm

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 The Monomoy Lens, from which our groundwater is pumped, is recharged by precipitation events over the winter and early spring. The lack of precipitation this past winter has resulted in groundwater levels more than 2 feet lower than this time last year. With the warm summer months on the horizon the ability for precipitation to recharge the aquifer will quickly diminish as most of the precipitation that occurs will be evaporated before entering the groundwater table. The Harwich Water Department respectfully requests the support of our Residents and Business Community in implementing odd/even water conservation measures to ensure the future health and adequacy of our water supply.  

Notice of Water Restrictions are posted via the following: