Water restrictions in Lexington, MA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
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).
Lexington's Department of Public Works (DPW) administers outdoor water rules under the town's Water and Sewer regulations. When the Select Board declares a water-supply restriction, the town typically limits outdoor watering to early-morning or evening hours and prohibits non-essential uses such as washing driveways or filling decorative fountains. Residents who install a separate outdoor irrigation meter (allowed under town policy) receive a sewer-fee adjustment because outdoor water does not enter the sanitary sewer. As of 2026 there are no statewide drought restrictions in Massachusetts, and Lexington's restrictions follow the Massachusetts DEP model bylaw framework. Call DPW at 781-274-8300 to confirm current status.
First violation in a calendar year is typically a written warning. Subsequent violations may carry fines under the town's bylaw enforcement schedule, consistent with the Massachusetts DEP model water-use restriction bylaw.
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See how other cities in Middlesex County handle water restrictions.
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