The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, through its Water Management Act
permitting process, has imposed limits on the amount of water towns are allowed to withdrawal
from their respective watersheds. Lincoln’s permit includes a drastic reduction in our water
allocation starting in 2014. However, the State has also required that the Town reduce individual
water consumption to the 65 gallons per person per day performance standard by December 31,
2011. For the 2012 calendar year, Lincoln’s consumption was 68 gallons per capita per day.

As a result of this new permit, the Town must implement a mandatory outdoor water conservation
measure from May 1st through September 30th. The permit stipulates nonessential outdoor
watering must be limited to no more than two times per week. The water restriction consists of
an odd/even watering schedule based on the last number of your house address.

Watering is allowed for addresses as follows:
Even numbers = Tuesday &/or Thursday
Odd numbers =Wednesday &/or Friday

There will be no nonessential outdoor watering Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Watering will only
be permitted between the hours of 7 PM and 7 AM. The restriction includes the following provisions:

Uses subject to mandatory restriction:
× Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems;
× Washing of vehicles except in a commercial car wash or for operator safety;
× Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, stain, or stucco.

Uses that may be allowed during mandatory restriction:
× Irrigation to establish a new lawn and plantings during the months of May and September;
× Irrigation of public parks and recreation fields by automatic sprinklers outside the hours of
9 AM to 5 PM;
× Watering of lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose.

Uses NOT subject to mandatory restriction
× For health and safety reasons;
× By regulations;
× For production of food and fiber;
× For maintenance of livestock; or
× To meet the core functions of a business (golf course, plant nurseries)

Water Department staff will be monitoring all sprinkler use in Town and will stop to remind
residents of the new restriction policy. A second notice will result in a $50 fine, and subsequent
violations will result in a $100 fine. If any residents have questions, please contact Greg Woods,
Water Superintendent, at 781-259-8997 Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.