The Town of Halifax announced updated outdoor water use restrictions effective May 27, in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regulations. The new schedule specifies that no watering is permitted on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered houses may water lawns on Mondays and Thursdays from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., while odd-numbered houses are allowed to water on Tuesdays and Fridays during the same hours.
Enforcement actions for violations include a verbal warning for the first offense, a $50 fine for the second offense, a $100 fine for the third offense, and termination of water service plus a $250 reinstatement fee for the fourth offense.
Town officials said increased water demand threatens drinking water quality and public safety by endangering storage capacity needed for fire protection and optimal system performance. They also said watering during peak heat hours wastes water without benefiting lawns.
Residents using private wells or irrigation wells must post their well number on their front lawn to avoid unnecessary enforcement visits from Water or Police Department personnel. The Board of Health can provide well numbers upon request by phone or email.
For additional questions regarding these restrictions, residents are directed to contact the Water Department at its office on Plymouth Street, by phone at 781-293-1733, or via email.
