In 2022, Gloucester faced a drought, which led to the implementation of measures aimed at conserving water. The government decided to introduce these measures for 2 weeks, starting from 21st July, with subsequent extensions. Michael Hale, Director of the Department of Public Works, explained that the problem arose due to weather conditions which resulted in decreased water levels in the city’s three reservoirs. Therefore, a decision was made to implement appropriate measures to protect and preserve drinking water supplies. This overview provides information on current water usage measures and recommendations during drought periods in the USA, including Massachusetts.
Climate Features in Gloucester
Gloucester is one of the oldest cities in the USA, located on the Cape Ann peninsula and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. This has a direct impact on the city’s water resources and climate.
The area has a moderate continental climate with strong oceanic influence. However, despite the “humid” climate, the region can experience periods of insufficient precipitation during the summer season. Therefore, droughts in the Gloucester area are typically not desert-like (as in the south-western USA), but rather hydrological and seasonal.
Droughts most commonly occur due to uneven precipitation, the city’s dependence on reservoirs, climate instability, and high water consumption during summer. Another significant factor is limited infrastructural “buffer capacity”: small towns such as Gloucester often have fewer backup water sources than large metropolitan areas.
Gloucester City Ordinances Code
According to Section 23-60 of the Gloucester City Ordinances Code, city authorities introduced a special outdoor watering protocol, applying the even and odd house number principle.
As a result, the following rule was adopted:
- Homeowners with even house numbers may water plants in their gardens and allotments on even days of the week.
- Homeowners with odd house numbers may water plants in their gardens and allotments on odd days of the week.
Additionally, Gloucester city authorities asked residents to refrain from lighting bonfires and to exercise maximum caution when disposing of flammable materials. This is due to the increased threat of forest fires.
Additional Water Conservation Methods
The Massachusetts Water Resources Commission decided to implement additional water conservation methods. For example, these included the following rules:
- Running the washing machine or dishwasher is only permitted when fully loaded.
- In the event of leaks in plumbing systems, swift measures must be taken for immediate repair.
- Showers should be taken using special water-saving shower heads.
- Where possible, car washing and frequent washing of other vehicles should be avoided, as this leads to high water consumption.
During the drought, residents were asked to limit watering of their lawns. Lawns can be restored once weather conditions in the region improve.
For instance, to reduce moisture evaporation and balance soil temperature, residents were advised to use mulch. Another important recommendation was to leave grass clippings on lawns to create additional shade (protection from sunlight) and return essential nutrients back into the soil.
Features of the Drought Management Stages System
Such restrictions in the USA are introduced during drought periods at state or municipal level. Depending on the water balance of each region, these restrictions vary annually in terms of stringency.
The USA has a widespread drought management stages system, and therefore, depending on the specific drought level, the government introduces various restrictions: ranging from simple recommendations for water conservation to prohibitions and limitations regarding lawn watering and pool filling.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency plays a special role in water resource management, with the task of promoting programmes aimed at reducing water consumption. This list also includes WaterSense standards for water-saving plumbing and household appliances.
Some states actively implement a water use reporting system, under which large water consumers are required to regularly report on water consumption. This approach is aimed at promptly identifying anomalies and possible leaks in water infrastructure.
Furthermore, during drought periods, local authorities may strengthen control over compliance with regulations:
- Introduction of a fine system for watering lawns at prohibited times.
- Fines for using hoses without flow restrictors, and other measures.
The distinctive feature of the American approach lies in the perfect balance and combination of restrictions + incentives. Besides prohibitions, residents of some regions can also receive discounts/tax benefits for installing and operating water-saving systems. For example, installing rainwater tanks or drip irrigation systems.