Water Restrictions: Lexington vs Newton
How do water restrictions rules compare between Lexington, MA and Newton, MA?
Lexington and Newton have similar restriction levels.
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 →Newton, MA
Middlesex County
Newton follows MWRA water supply with seasonal irrigation limits; MassDEP drought declarations may trigger mandatory outdoor watering restrictions enforced citywide.
View full Newton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lexington | Newton |
|---|---|---|
| Water Supplier | MWRA (~2B gallons/yr) | - |
| Restrictions | Seasonal, by Select Board declaration | - |
| Typical Hours | Watering before/after specific morning window | No watering 9 AM to 5 PM |
| Contact | DPW 781-274-8300 | - |
| Water Source | - | MWRA Quabbin reservoir |
| Trigger | - | MassDEP drought declaration |
| Schedule | - | Odd-even day |
| Enforcement | - | Newton DPW |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Newton FAQ
Does Newton have year-round watering restrictions?
No. Restrictions are typically only imposed during declared drought conditions or MWRA conservation requests.
Can I use a sprinkler system in Newton?
Yes under normal conditions, but during drought advisories sprinkler use is typically limited to certain days and restricted from midday hours.
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