Drought Warning in Worcester: What you need to know

WORCESTER, Mass. — A Stage 2 Drought Warning was issued to the City of Worcester Thursday, prompting officials to ask community members to reduce their water usage.

HOW BAD IS IT?

From January to the end of June, Worcester has only gotten 17.11 inches of rainfall, which is significantly below the average of 24.58 inches.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

The Worcester Department of Public Works & Parks issued a Public Service Announcement, here are the highlights:

• Wait until the current drought passes before establishing new landscape.
• Don't wait to fix that leak or broken sprinkler head -- anything that is wasting water MUST be addressed.
• Don't operate your irrigation system from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., when most of the water will be wasted to evaporation.
• Use covers for all types of pools, hot tubs, and Jacuzzi type pools when not in use.
• Don't use water to wash down pavement, sidewalks or other ground surfaces.

Essentially, DON'T WASTE WATER!

HOW IT WILL IMPACT YOUR DAY-TO-DAY

• Restaurants have been asked to limit the serving of tap water to customers, except upon request
• Properties with odd-numbered addresses may water no more than once on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays either before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
• Properties with even-numbered addresses may water no more than once on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays either before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
• No residents can water on Mondays
• NOTE: The odd-even schedule doesn't apply to drip irrigation or handheld watering.

Cox Media Group