Water restrictions in Lowell, MA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Lowell draws drinking water from the Merrimack River and generally has abundant supply, so routine outdoor watering restrictions are limited. Drought-stage restrictions on irrigation can be imposed by the state or city during Massachusetts Drought Management Plan declarations.
The Lowell Regional Water Utility operates a surface-water system drawing from the Merrimack River with a treatment plant on Pawtucket Boulevard, serving Lowell and portions of Chelmsford, Dracut, and Tyngsborough. Because the source is a large river rather than a reservoir, Lowell generally does not impose year-round mandatory odd-even watering schedules seen in reservoir-dependent towns. However, the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan can trigger statewide or regional restrictions through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and MassDEP. During Level 2 Significant Drought or higher, Lowell may restrict lawn irrigation to one day per week or to handheld hoses only, ban car washing, and prohibit filling new pools. Customers should watch for notices from the Water Utility. Efficient irrigation, rain sensors, and morning or evening watering are always recommended to reduce evaporation and runoff into storm drains.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lowell, MA
Lowell applies the Massachusetts DEP 10-dB-above-ambient standard for objective measurement and uses a plainly-audible test for subjective enforcement.
Lowell, MA
Lowell restricts gas-powered leaf blower use to daytime hours; no outright ban exists, but decibel and hour limits apply under the general noise ordinance.
Lowell, MA
Outdoor music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues in Lowell requires an entertainment license and must end by 10 p.m. in residential zones.
Lowell, MA
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and...
Lowell, MA
Amplified music from homes, vehicles, or outdoor events in Lowell must not be plainly audible beyond 50 feet and is subject to permit rules for public venues.
Lowell, MA
Industrial operations in Lowell must keep noise within Massachusetts DEP guidelines and the local ordinance, with stricter limits at residential property lines.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
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