Water Restrictions: Burlington vs Lexington
How do water restrictions rules compare between Burlington, MA and Lexington, MA?
Burlington and Lexington have similar restriction levels.
Burlington, MA
Middlesex County
Water use restrictions in Middlesex County follow the MA Water Management Act and MWRA/local water supplier rules. Summer outdoor watering bans are common from May to September.
View full Burlington rules →Lexington, MA
Middlesex County
Lexington belongs to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and purchases approximately 2 billion gallons of water annually. The town imposes seasonal outdoor watering restrictions through Select Board declarations, typically running early June through mid-September. Recent restrictions have included voluntary limits on outdoor water use between 5:30 AM and 8:30 AM (e.g., the August 2022 restriction effective through October 14).
View full Lexington rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burlington | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | MGL c.21G Water Management Act | - |
| MWRA Towns | 15+ Middlesex communities | - |
| Typical Ban Hours | 9 AM to 5 PM May-Sept | - |
| Typical Fine | $50-$200 per violation | - |
| Drought Oversight | MA EEA | - |
| Water Supplier | - | MWRA (~2B gallons/yr) |
| Restrictions | - | Seasonal, by Select Board declaration |
| Typical Hours | - | Watering before/after specific morning window |
| Contact | - | DPW 781-274-8300 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burlington FAQ
When can I water my lawn?
Most Middlesex suppliers ban daytime outdoor watering from 9 AM to 5 PM May through September. Some towns limit to 2 days per week.
Who enforces water restrictions?
Your local water department or DPW issues fines. MWRA towns generally have looser rules than well-supplied towns.
Lexington FAQ
When can I water my lawn in Lexington, MA?
When the Select Board declares an outdoor-water restriction, watering is typically limited to specified early-morning or evening hours. When no restriction is active, normal outdoor watering is allowed but conservation is encouraged. Confirm current status with DPW at 781-274-8300.
Can I install a separate meter for irrigation?
Yes. Lexington's water policy allows installation of a second meter for outdoor watering so the water used outdoors is not billed for sewer service. Contact the Water/Sewer Division for installation requirements.
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