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Outdoor Watering Restrictions

OUTDOOR WATER USE RESTRICTION UPDATE (UPDATED 3/9/2023)

Due to ongoing impacts of PFAS causing some sources of supply to be at reduced production capacity, the seasonal outdoor water use restrictions will remain in effect for the upcoming 2023 growing season.  We appreciate all customers following this schedule and ask that you continue to abide by these guidelines until further notice.  We anticipate a new Water Management Act permit will be issued later this year and will update customers on what restrictions may be in place for the 2024 growing season.

Lawn irrigation via above ground sprinklers and automated inground irrigation systems is allowed one day per week.  If conditions allow or necessitate, the restrictions could be changed during the coming months.  As the irrigation season draws near, now is a great time to start thinking about properly programing the system so it is ready for the spring. Be sure to check your system for leaks, broken and inefficient heads, and test your backflow prevention device.  Healthy lawns only require up to one inch of water per week during the height of growing season, and benefit from one long soaking versus multiple short soakings.  Before irrigating, check that your lawn needs it by looking at recent and forecast rainfall amounts, checking soil moisture at a 6-inch depth, and seeing if footprints remain visible when you walk on the grass.

Lawn Watering, 1 day per week, before 7 am and after 7pm. 

 Tuesday: North Acton – North of Brook Street including Great Road from Brook Street to Littleton line

 Wednesday: Acton Center/East Acton – North of Route 2 to South of Brook Street (562 Main Street follows this schedule) including Pope Road and Great Road to Concord line

 Thursday: West Acton – South of Route 2 and West of Main Street (even side of Main Street follows this schedule)

 Friday: South Acton – South of Route 2 and East of Main Street (odd side of Main Street follows this schedule)

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Need help figuring out what day you may water your lawn?

Use the map above to find your address, or enter your address below, or call the office at (978) 263-9107.

Watering Schedule:

All other outdoor water uses (gardens, hand watering with an auto shutoff nozzle, pool filling, vehicle washing, power washing, dust control, etc.) will follow our typical odd/even restrictions.  Even addresses may use water outdoors Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and odd addresses may use water outdoors Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.  No outdoor water use is allowed on Mondays.

Any violations will be subject to a fine of up to $200 per incident. We thank you for your cooperation and any water conservation efforts that you observe.  Updates on the status of our outdoor water use restrictions in the imminent future will be communicated on our website, through our WaterSmart program, and via Twitter @ActonWater.

This is also a good reminder to check your irrigation system and outdoor water systems for leaks, broken heads, and inefficient spray.  Any property that is observed not following the restrictions is subject to fines and possible loss of outdoor water use.  Do not depend solely on your contractor to properly manage your controller.  If you are travelling and unable to manage your irrigation system, you should consider shutting it off in your absence.

Thank you for your continued assistance and cooperation in using Acton’s water resources wisely.  It takes the entire community to enable a safe, sufficient, and reliable supply of water.

For additional information on local hydrological conditions and weekly drought status updates, please visit these links: