City of Worcester Enters Level 1-Mild Drought Status, Implements Water Use Restrictions

The City of Worcester has officially declared a Level 1-Mild Drought status, prompting the implementation of specific water use restrictions for all residents and water users.

Under the new guidelines, all nonessential outdoor water uses will be limited to one day per week—either Tuesday or Thursday—before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Exceptions are made for the watering of ornamentals and flower gardens, which can be done using drip irrigation, hand-held hoses, or watering cans.

To further regulate water usage, an odd/even schedule will be enforced based on property addresses. Odd-numbered addresses will water on Tuesdays, while even-numbered addresses will water on Thursdays.

In addition, golf courses will also face restrictions: irrigation of fairways will be reduced to 80% of normal, while irrigation of roughs will be cut to 50%. There will be no irrigation allowed for landscaping and ornamentals.

Residents can find more information about the 2024 Level 1-Mild Drought on the City’s website at worcesterma.gov/dpw/drought. For any inquiries about the stage restrictions, residents are encouraged to contact Worcester 311 at worcesterma.gov/311.