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Date: 7/20/2023
SOUTHWICK — Heavy rainfall over the past month allowed the town to lift its mandatory water restrictions this month.
The town Water Commission voted on July 5 to again allow “non-essential” outdoor use of water, such as watering lawns and washing cars, on a wide basis. The same board had on June 1 implemented the watering restrictions because of the low flow of the Westfield River for three consecutive days in late May. The restrictions banned the use of town water outdoors between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and allowed early-morning and evening water use just one day a week. “Essential” water use for agriculture, as a core function of a business or for safety reasons, was exempted from the ban.
According to the town’s water withdrawal permit issued in 2014 by the state Department of Environmental Protection, when the Westfield River water flow dips below 205 cubic feet per second for three consecutive days, all non-essential outdoor water use is restricted.
For the restrictions to be lifted, the flow of the Westfield River must be above 174 cubic feet per second between July and September for seven consecutive days. Public Works Director Randy Brown said it’s possible the restrictions could return if the region experiences another extended period of dry weather.
Water use restrictions have become an annual occurrence in Southwick, but generally last the whole summer. Select Board Chair Douglas Moglin said he couldn’t remember the last time the restrictions were lifted before Sept. 30.