Water Withdrawal Restrictions

In order to minimize environmental impact from water withdrawal and ensure adequate water supplies for the future in all Massachusetts river basins, the DEP's Water Management Act (WMA) regulates the annual water withdrawals of all public water supplies that withdraw more than 100,000 gallons per day. Harwich Water Department Withdrawal Permit allows for an average withdrawal of 2.2 million gallons per day for the year 2002. On peak demand days (generally during the months of May-October) water usage can often be well in excess of this level. Although use is lower during the winter months, the annual average withdrawals are coming cautiously close to that allowed DEP withdrawal rate.

Peak Usage Problems

The Department struggles to keep up with demand during peak-use seasons and the addition of new users as Harwich population increases. For example, on October 10, 2001, 2.4 million gallons were pumped from Harwich's wells to meet demand. During these high-demand days, the water level in storage tanks drops, causing decreases in pressure in certain residences. Should storage tank levels drop too low, the Department will be faced with imposing a ban on all outdoor water uses in order to ensure adequate water for basic residential use and emergency use (such as fire-fighting.)