Water Restrictions: Cambridge vs Lexington
How do water restrictions rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Lexington, MA?
Cambridge and Lexington have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge runs its own water supply from Fresh Pond and Hobbs/Stony Brook reservoirs. The city imposes odd/even watering limits during drought and can escalate to full non-essential use bans.
View full Cambridge 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 | Cambridge | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Water supplier | Cambridge Water Department | - |
| Source | Fresh Pond Hobbs and Stony Brook | - |
| Typical summer rule | Odd/even watering in drought | - |
| Rain sensor | Required on irrigation systems | - |
| Contact | 617-349-4770 | DPW 781-274-8300 |
| Water Supplier | - | MWRA (~2B gallons/yr) |
| Restrictions | - | Seasonal, by Select Board declaration |
| Typical Hours | - | Watering before/after specific morning window |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Can I water my Cambridge lawn every day in July?
Only during non-drought periods. Under active drought restrictions, odd/even day watering with time limits applies.
Does Cambridge get water from MWRA?
No. Cambridge has its own independent water system, unlike most Boston suburbs.
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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