In order to preserve and protect Peterborough’s municipal water supply and related water distribution system infrastructure, the town is implementing mandatory outdoor watering restrictions that will begin Wednesday, Aug. 10.
Until further notice, the following outdoor watering activities are restricted or prohibited in Peterborough for customers utilizing the Peterborough public water system:
— Landscape irrigation, such as the watering of lawns and gardens, shall only be permitted between the hours of 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. Even-numbered street addresses are permitted to water during allowable hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Odd-numbered addresses are permitted to water during allowable hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. This applies to all properties in Peterborough that use the public water system.
— Filling swimming pools is prohibited.
— Washing cars and boats, except at a commercial car wash facility, is prohibited;
— The use of water for firefighting, health, sanitation, medical purposes and other essential uses shall not be restricted. However, domestic water use conservation practices should be implemented wherever possible.
In New Hampshire, 72.4 percent of the state is experiencing moderate drought conditions, while 13.3 percent is experiencing severe drought. Peterborough is currently experiencing moderate drought conditions, although neighboring communities to the immediate south and east are experiencing severe drought. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has advised all communities experiencing drought conditions to impose mandatory outdoor watering restrictions.
Individuals who don’t comply with the restrictions may be subject to fines of $500 per day, potential suspension of access to the public water system and the imposition of additional civil penalties. Questions can be directed to Department of Public Works Director Seth MacLean at 603-924-8000, Ext. 102.