QUINCY –  The ongoing drought in the region is prompting communities to increase water restrictions  and encourage other conservation efforts.

On Friday, Weymouth implemented voluntary water restrictions that are effective Monday, Aug. 1. They include no use of sprinklers and soaker hoses, no use of town water for car washes and only handheld hoses for outdoor watering between 6 and 9 a.m. and 6 and 9 p.m.

In a letter to residents, the public works department said the water levels in Great Pond, the town's main water source, have dropped nearly 4 feet since the end of April, the biggest decline in two decades.

"Given the current drought conditions with no relief in the forecast, we must start water conservation measures as a community, particularly curbing nonessential outdoor water use, to reduce stress on our local water supply systems and natural habitats," said Public Works Director Kenan Connell.

The department is also asking residents to conserve water by taking shorter showers, washing only full loads of laundry and installing a low-flow toilet.

The Tri-Town Water District – made up of Braintree, Randolph and Holbrook – moved to Phase 2 water restrictions last week. Outdoor water use is limited to handheld hoses 7 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.

The Weir River Water System, which serves Hingham, Hull and a portion of Cohasset, restricts outdoor water use to gardens and vegetation from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. Lawns can be watered one day a week during the same hours: those with odd-numbered street addresses on Tuesday, even numbers on Wednesday. Violations carry a $50 fine.

Cohasset limits outdoor watering to gardens and ornamental plants between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.  No outdoor watering is allowed on Sunday.

Pembroke issued an emergency ban on unnecessary water use last week, with the demand for water exceeding supply.

  Hanover  limits outside watering to odd-numbered homes on odd-numbered days from 6 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. with handheld hoses only. 

Norwell restricts outdoor water use to 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.

No water restrictions are in effect for communities served by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, which includes Quincy and Milton.

Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.

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