The Nantucket Select Board meeting on July 9, 2025, kicked off with urgent announcements regarding mandatory outdoor water use restrictions due to a level 1 drought affecting the island. The board emphasized the seriousness of the situation, urging residents to comply with the restrictions that limit lawn irrigation to two designated days per week, with no watering allowed from Friday through Sunday.

A concerning revelation from the water department manager highlighted that some residents would rather pay fines than adhere to these restrictions. The board warned that without sufficient rainfall, Nantucket could escalate to a level 2 drought, leading to even stricter regulations and potential penalties.

In addition to the water restrictions, the meeting addressed the upcoming public hearing on the master plan vision statement scheduled for July 14, inviting community feedback until August 4. The Planning and Land Use Services Department also announced the launch of an online permit submission program for the building division by the end of summer, aimed at streamlining processes for residents.

Other announcements included free summer tours at the Brant Point Shell Fishery and updates on recycling initiatives, such as the acceptance of latex paint and batteries at designated facilities. The board also noted ongoing efforts to monitor harmful algal blooms in local ponds, in collaboration with various environmental organizations.

As the meeting concluded, the board reinforced the importance of community engagement and compliance with water restrictions, emphasizing that the health of Nantucket's environment and resources depends on collective action.