Middleboro has imposed its annual outdoor watering restrictions to conserve water during the spring, summer and first few days of fall.The restrictions limit both the timing and type of outdoor water use. Residents with odd-numbered properties may water on odd-numbered days, and residents of even-numbered properties may water on even-numbered days.

Restricted uses include:

• Irrigation of lawns and landscaping by use of sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems.
• Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety.
• Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks except as necessary to provide surface treatments such as pavement or cement.

Permitted uses include:

• Watering of lawns, gardens, and flowers by means of a hand-held hose.
• Irrigation to establish a new lawn and new plantings during the months of May and September.
• Irrigation of public parks and recreational fields by means of automatic sprinklers outside the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Uses not subject to restrictions include those for health and safety reasons, for the production of food and fiber, for the maintenance of livestock and to meet the core function of a business such as golf courses and plant nurseries.

The restrictions are effective through September 30, 2011. The ban imposes a fine of $50 for a first offense and $100 for each subsequent offense. The restrictions apply only to residents who use town water.

Source: The Enterprise, May 5, 2011