GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Greenfield Mayor Ginny Desorgher has declared a State of Water Supply Conservation to include mandatory water restrictions including banning the use of water to fill or “top off” pools and limiting other outdoor water uses.

The State of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has declared a significant drought in the Connecticut River Valley Region, which has triggered local mandatory restrictions.

From the City of Greenfield:

Mayor Declares State of Water Supply Conservation with Mandatory Water Usage Restrictions

GREENFIELD – Mayor Virgina Desorgher has declared a State of Water Supply Conservation, requiring mandatory water-use restrictions, in accordance with § 415-59 of the Greenfield Municipal Code. This declaration follows the State of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ declaration of a significant drought in the Connecticut River Valley Region, which triggered mandatory restrictions on non- essential water use.

As drought conditions persist, the City is instituting the following restrictions on outdoor water use, effective immediately:

• Limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 PM or before 9 AM. The use of automatic sprinkler systems is prohibited.

• Washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding), personal vehicles, or boats is prohibited with the exception of commercial car washes.

• Filling or “topping off” pools is banned.

“We all need to do our part by taking these commonsense steps to safeguard Greenfield’s water supply and ensure we have enough water for firefighting and other essential needs,” said Mayor Desorgher.

Under the City Code, violations of water-use restrictions carry a $50 fine for the first offense and a $100 fine for each subsequent offense.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has established exemptions to the ban for health or safety reasons, by regulation, for production of food or fiber, for maintenance of livestock or to meet the core function of a business.