Oak Bluffs is in a MANDATORY WATER BAN, this means all outdoor non-essential water use must only be used every other day. It is more important than ever that we all do our part to conserve our precious water resources. There are several steps that can go a long way to help us assure that we have an adequate supply of water for residential, commercial, and emergency needs.
Based on our current data/trends the summer months show a significant increase in usage in the early morning hours from 1:00am to 8:00am which indicates the increased usage is due to automated sprinkler systems. These sprinkler systems combined with regular morning usage adds an increased strain on our system.
A typical “off-season” pumping cycle will last 70 minutes, and 150,000 gallons will be pumped into the system. In July 2022, OBWD observed pump cycles extending up to 8 hours, and up to 1.5 million gallons are pumped into the system.
Not only is this a burden to our pumping stations, but it is also a major concern if a catastrophic event were to occur. A major structure fire, loss of a well source for any reason or a severe water main break would significantly impact our ability to meet demand. Unless we all take some responsibility and cut back, we risk problems far more unpleasant than a brown lawn. If there was ever an event that resulted in the loss of any one of our wells during the months of July and August, the District would have significant trouble maintaining adequate pressure.
The District has been constantly monitoring the trends for increased water usage in the summer months and has initiated a review with our engineers for options to increase production. We are considering a variety of measures, including a new pumping station and larger motors and pumps in the existing stations, but this will take time.
Lawn watering: For many years, there has been an alternating-day lawn watering rule in place. Those with an even numbered address may water on even numbered days. While the District has not been enforcing this rule with citations and fines, this may have to be revisited if residents or businesses do not start to adhere to the rule voluntarily.
Homeowner recommendations:
- Please water every other day at most odd/even schedule, 80% of domestic water usage occurs outside the home on lawns and gardens.
- Install rain sensors on irrigation systems, this has the potential to save over 3,000 gallons per year per household.
- Test your toilet. Undetected internal leaks from tank to bowl could waste up to 100 gallons a day. Drop a dye tablet or food coloring in the tank yearly to see if the color of the water in the bowl changes color. If it does, your toilet needs a replacement rubber flapper or fill mechanism.
- Conduct regular leak checks: A 1/16-inch opening in your faucet could waste 100 gallons a day. Tour your home monthly, inside and out, in search of dripping faucets, showerheads, hoses, and sprinklers. Most faucet drips can be fixed simply by replacing a worn-out washer.
- Install water saving low-flow shower heads.
By following these simple recommendations you can do your part to help reduce the burden on our water system while also contributing to water conservation efforts much needed island wide.