Westborough Water Restrictions Boosted To Level 1

WESTBOROUGH, MA — The town this week increased outdoor water use restrictions amid stifling heat, but rain coming later in the week may cancel it out.

The town on Monday increased restrictions to Level 1, with outdoor watering permitting only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. daily.

There is no sign of drought in the area, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, but high heat in recent weeks with relatively less rain means the ground is a lot drier. The Westborough area has received less than half an inch of rain so far in July. Last year, the area had seen more than 4 inches over the first eight days of July, according to National Weather Service records.

Residents hampered by the new restrictions may get relief toward the end of the week as the remnants of Hurricane Beryl sweep north of New England, and boosting our chances of downpours and thunderstorms.

Anyone caught violating the water use restrictions in Westborough could face a $50 fine for the first offense, and $100 for each offense after that, according to town bylaws.