Outdoor Watering in Hamilton and Wenham Will Result in Fines

As the drought persists in Massachusetts, Hamilton and Wenham are stepping up enforcement of the water ban. Outdoor mechanical watering is banned at this time, for both private and municipal water users.

In Wenham, the water commission voted to extend the water ban past Oct. 1 on a month-t0-month basis. High volume users -- those who have used over 100,000 gallons this quarter, and residents who have found to be in violation of the ban -- have received warning letters.

In both towns, the first offense will result in a $50 fine, and secondary offenses get a $100 fine.

In Hamilton, hand watering is allowed between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., and between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. in Wenham. Hamilton Town Manager Michael Lombardo said some residents with private wells are unaware that the ban applies to them, but they are subject to fines for violations as well.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the drought in Massachusetts is between extreme and moderate this week. The Ipswich River, which supplies most North Shore towns, has run low this summer, resulting in water bans in most towns.

Here is Wenham's official water ban.

Here is Hamilton's official water ban.

Hamilton's boil water order was lifted last week after the water main break on Bridge Street. All tests came back negative for bacterial contamination. Residents can now drink the tap water, per state DEP regulations. The break drained the town's water supply, and residents are encouraged to conserve water.

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