At its regularly scheduled public meeting on August 19, 2025, the Barnstable Municipal Water Supply Board determined that a potential water shortage exists. This decision follows the State of Massachusetts’ Level 2 Significant Drought declaration for the Cape Cod Region and is in accordance with the Water Management Act.
To help conserve water and ensure a reliable supply for essential needs – such as drinking water and fire protection – the Board has declared a State of Water Supply Conservation.
Non-essential outdoor water use is defined as water usage that is not required:
- For health or safety reasons
- By regulation
- For the production of food and fiber
- For the maintenance of livestock
- To meet the core functions of a business
As part of this declaration, the following mandatory restrictions on nonessential outdoor water use will be implemented to reduce daily water consumption and preserve the town’s water supply.
1. Outdoor Watering (by hand only) Restricted to Two Days or Fewer per Week:
Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems is prohibited. Outdoor watering of lawns, gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants, via a hand-held hose or bucket, is permitted under the following conditions:
- Odd numbered addresses are permitted to water by hand on odd numbered days (i.e. dates ending
in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9). - Even numbered addresses are permitted to water by hand on even numbered days (i.e. dates
ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8). - Commercial, condominium, and other multiple properties held under common ownership or management may, by written request of the property owner, be assigned an odd or even day designation by the Water Supply Division.
2. Outdoor Watering Hours:
Outdoor watering via a hand-held hose or bucket is permitted only from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM.
3. Washing of Vehicles:
Washing vehicles is prohibited, except in a commercial car wash, as necessary for operator safety or to prevent damage and/or maintain performance of agricultural or construction vehicles or equipment.
4. Washing of Exterior Surfaces:
Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks is prohibited except as necessary to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.
5. Filling of Swimming Pools:
Filling or refilling of swimming pools, with your onsite water source, is prohibited. Please be aware of advanced weather forecasts and adjust your outdoor water use schedule accordingly.
Water conservation kits, including showerheads, faucet aerators, and replacement toilet tank flappers are available to Hyannis Water System customers at no charge through the Water Supply Division. Learn more by visiting the Town of Barnstable website, here: www.townofbarnstable.us/Departments/watersupply/Conservation/Conservation-Items-Available.pdf
The Barnstable Municipal Water Supply Board will terminate the water use restrictions on nonessential outdoor water use once the State declared drought conditions no longer exist. To learn more about the Massachusetts’ Level 2 Significant Drought declaration, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/news/critical-and-significant-drought-conditions-declared-in-several-regions
Please call the Hyannis Water System at (508) 775-0063 with any questions.
*Please note, this post will be updated as new or additional information regarding Cape Cod’s drought status is released.
