Public Works presented the town’s water‑registration status and a possible need to implement mandatory nonessential outdoor water‑use restrictions at the March 11 Select Board meeting.

Why the restriction is possible

Public Works staff explained that Needham produces well water for most local supply and supplements with MWRA water. The town holds a Water Management Act registration that sets withdrawal metrics the state uses to determine whether communities must enact nonessential outdoor water restrictions. Staff said the registration requires periodic reporting; failure to meet the state’s supply targets could trigger restrictions and potential fines against the community.

Staff reported the state’s drought task force had placed the region in a Level 2 designation in its latest update and that, under the state’s timeline, Needham could be required to implement restrictions beginning on April 8. Level 2 would limit irrigation systems and cut municipal nonessential outdoor uses except for enumerated exceptions. Public Works said the town is challenging parts of the state process in court along with other municipalities but must comply with current registration rules while litigation proceeds.

Exemptions and enforcement

Staff outlined exemptions the town may permit, including (a) irrigation related to establishing new lawns (short‑term allowances), (b) a 12‑month exemption for newly planted lawns, (c) limited exemptions for water use essential to public safety or field safety (town athletic fields), and (d) possible limited allowances for pool filling. Staff recommended an educational enforcement approach initially and said the town’s existing bylaw provides authority for mandatory restrictions; enforcement during an initial period would focus on notices and outreach.

Board motion and action

A Select Board member moved to delegate authority to the town manager to declare emergency nonessential outdoor water‑use restrictions under the town’s Water Management Act registration. A second was recorded but board discussion followed: several members asked for the board to vote directly or requested time for more discussion. The motion was later withdrawn and no delegation vote occurred; the board agreed to consider the question again at a future meeting so members could review exemption language and implementation details.

What residents should know

If the state maintains a Level 2 drought designation and the town is required to comply, irrigation systems could be prohibited beginning in April unless the town issues exemptions or the board takes a different implementation approach. Public Works said it will prepare targeted communications for irrigation‑metered accounts and work with residents to explain exemptions and timelines.