Mill River running low; Northampton issues water ban

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Before you pick up that garden hose, you may want to read up. A water-use restriction is in effect in Northampton. 

With temperatures well above the 80’s on Tuesday, news of a water ban came as a surprise to some residents.

“I didn't even know until right now that there was one in effect?  And I'm definitely the one to be like I'm going to spray myself with the hose right quick,” said Trenda Loftin of the water ban that was put in place on Monday.  

The Northampton Department of Public Works says automatic irrigation of lawns and flowers, the use of handheld hoses and washing your car will only be allowed one day a week between the hours of 9am and 5pm. 

The ban comes after the department noticed a drop in the run-off coming in from the reservoir into the Mill River.  Water Superintendent David Sparks told 22News the flow rate was below the threshold of 26.3 cubic feet/second for three consecutive days, leaving the department no choice but to issue a restriction. 

“I think it's really wise, I think in a lot of places in the world people's access to water is a lot less and it's really important to conserve such a valuable resource and be smart about using it,” said Dori Midnight of Williamsburg. 

Permits for water withdrawals are regulated by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection and Sparks says although the city’s reservoirs are at capacity, the precautionary measure is complying with state regulations. 

But for many the ban was not the issue but rather the fee you're responsible for if you violate the ban.  Officials can fine $100 dollars for first offenders and $200 for any offense afterwards.   

“I think that's a little extreme, I think they might want to give us a warning,” said Deborah McCartney of Northampton. 

Sparkstold 22News the ban will not be lifted until they see seven consecutive days of a higher flow rate.