Summertime limits on outdoor watering usually end on September 30, but due to the ongoing severe drought, the Water Commission instead tightened restrictions to Stage 4, its highest level.
The new restrictions took place on November 3. About a month earlier on October 9, state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides declared a “critical drought” situation in the Charles River watershed, which includes Lincoln.
Use of above-ground and in-ground sprinklers and soaker hoses is now prohibited, though handheld watering is permitted from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Swimming pools and hot tubs may also not be topped off until further notice. Agricultural uses of water are exempted from the restrictions.
The rules apply to users of town water, though owners of private wells are also urged to follow the same restrictions. Residents are also reminded of the heightened danger for fires.
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-held watering | Allowed 6pm–9am | Allowed 6pm–9am | Allowed 6pm–9am | Allowed 6pm–9am |
| Above-ground/ in-ground sprinklers | Allowed 7pm–7am | Allowed 2 days a week, 6pm–9am by street address: • Even house #s: Tues & Sat • Odd house #s Wed & Sun | Allowed once a week, 6pm–9am by street address: • Even house #s: Sat only • Odd house #s: Sun only | Not allowed |
| Soaker hoses | Allowed any time | Allowed twice a week, 6pm–9am on specified days (see row #2) | Allowed once a week, 6pm–9am on specified day (see row #2) | Not allowed |
| Drip irrigation | Allowed any time | Allowed twice a week, 6pm–9am on specified days (see row #2) | Allowed once a week, 6pm–9am on specified day (see row #2) | Allowed once a week, 6pm–9am on specified day (see row #2) |
| New lawns | Allowed any time | June & Sept. only: 20 days of daily watering, then 2 days a week, 7pm–7am on specified days | June & Sept. only: once a week, 7pm–7am on specified day | Not allowed |
| Washing vehicles | Allowed any time | Commercial services only | Commercial services only | Commercial services only |
| Washing buildings, pavement | Allowed any time | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, Jacuzzis | Allowed any time | One fill per season for new or repaired equipment | Topping off only (3" per month) | Topping off or refill not allowed |
| Car wash fundraisers | Allowed any time | Allowed any time | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Games or toys with continuous water | Allowed any time | Allowed 30 mins/day twice a week on specified days (see row #12) | Allowed 30 mins/day once a week on specified day (see row #12) | Not allowed |