Mandatory Restrictions do not apply to private well users.  So as to eliminate confusion during mandatory watering restriction periods the District provides official "private well" signs to homeowners using a well for irrigation.  If you have a private well and are interested in obtaining a sign for your home, contact the District office at (978) 443-6602.  It is the feeling of the Board of Water Commissioners that these signs will be helpful and advantageous in determining violators of the restrictions. 

Water your lawn and garden only when they need it.   Don't follow a fixed schedule.   Water grass and plants only when they show signs of wilting.  To find out if your lawn needs watering, step on the grass and then move back.  If the grass stays flat, then it's time to water.
• Deep-soak your lawn and garden when you do water.   Water long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good.  In this way, the lawn will develop a deeper root system, which requires less watering and is more disease-resistant.   A light sprinkling, on the other hand, can evaporate quickly and encourage a shallow root system.
• Watering during the cooler parts of the day to avoid evaporation.  Heat and wind will rob your lawn and garden of water before it can be used.  Watering before nine o'clock in the morning is better for your grass since it helps to prevent fungus growth.
• Let the water sink in slowly.  Never water faster than the soil can absorb it.  Excess water will form puddles or run off into the gutter.
• Aerate your lawn.  Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
• Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle.
• Position your lawn sprinkler so water lands on the lawn and garden, not on the street, sidewalk, or driveway.
• Know how to turn off an automatic sprinkler system in case of rain.
• Don't leave your lawn sprinkler running all day or turn it on several times during the day.
• Don't leave your garden hose unattended.  More than 600 gallons of water can be wasted in only a few hours.
• Keep your grass at least two inches high.  Taller grass will shade itself and reduce evaporation.
• Rid your lawn and garden of "thirsty" weeds. 
• Place a layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and plants.  Two to three inches of mulch will reduce water loss and discourage weed growth.
• Check for - and fix - leaks in outdoor hoses, faucets, couplings, and automatic sprinklers immediately.  Often, outdoor leaks are not as visible as leaks inside your home.   But, they can waste just as much water.