Water Department        

General Information

Water Update 02/24/04
Flushing Program Extended
Water Main Flushing
Storm Water Information

- Applications

- Sampling
     - Consumer confidence report

2002 Drinking Water Quality Report

     - DEP sampling program

- Rates

Water Rates

- Water Main Flushing

Flushing Summary
Flushing Status

- Water Conservation

Conservation Plan
Water Ban Info

- Capital Improvement Plan

Back to Top

Water Update 02/24/04

Bellingham Road Water Tower
The property transfer for the water tower on Bellingham Road should be completed in late March 2004. Construction cannot commence until this process is completed, however the construction documents are currently under review by the Engineering Department. The project should be ready to go out to bid in March 2004 and if all goes as planned, construction should commence in May 2004. The project should be significantly complete in the fall of 2004.

Mill River Water Main Improvements
The Town owns a water main that crosses under the Mill River along Summer Street. This pipe is damaged and is scheduled to be replaced with a pipe to be suspended from the Mill River bridge. The Water Department had planned to do the work in November 2003, however winter set in faster than expected. Materials for the project have been ordered and the contractor doing the work is scheduled to start in March 2004. The work should be completed before the summer of 2004.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Flushing Program Extended!!

Water Main Flushing Program Extended to
October 24, 2003

Water main flushing has been extended to FRIDAY OCTOBER 24, 2003. The flushing will begin at 9 AM and finish at 3 PM each day. All customers should be aware that water main flushing will likely cause some temporary water discoloration throughout the community. The discoloration comes from small particles of iron and manganese that are removed from the pipe walls. The discoloration is temporary and typically clears in four to five hours.

It is recommended that residents check the water before use, especially prior to doing laundry. If rust stains appear on washed clothing or fixtures, an iron removing detergent can be obtained free of charge from the Corrosion Control Facility on Elm Street. DO NOT TRY TO BLEACH STAINED CLOTHES, AS THIS WILL SET THE STAIN PERMANENTLY.

Customers can call the Water Department at 508-883-9331 for further assistance.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Water Main Flushing!!

Water Main Flushing

The Blackstone Water Department will be flushing water mains to remove sediments that can cause brown and black water complaints.

The testing will take place from WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2003 to FRIDAY OCTOBER 3, 2003. The testing will begin at 9 AM and finish at 3 PM each day. All customers should be aware that water main flushing will likely cause some temporary water discoloration throughout the community. The discoloration comes from small particles of iron and manganese that are removed from the pipe walls. The discoloration is temporary and typically clears in four to five hours.

It is recommended that residents check the water before use, especially prior to doing laundry. If rust stains appear on washed clothing or fixtures, an iron removing detergent can be obtained free of charge from the Corrosion Control Facility on Elm Street. DO NOT TRY TO BLEACH STAINED CLOTHES, AS THIS WILL SET THE STAIN PERMANENTLY.

Customers can call the Water Department at 508-883-9331 for further assistance.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Water Rates!!

TOWN OF BLACKSTONE
WATER/SEWER RATES AS OF OCTOBER 20, 2003

WATER USAGE

For 0-10,000 gallons of water used the charge is $25.00.

For 10,001-50,000 gallons used, an additional $1.65 per thousand gallons is charged.

For 50,001-100,000 gallons used, an additional charge of $3.40 per thousand gallons is charged.

For 100,001-999,999 gallons used, a final charge of $5.00 per thousand gallons is charged.

For those customers that are not metered there is a flat charge of $82.75 billed semi-annually.

SEWER USAGE

For 0-10,000 gallons of sewer used the charge is $60.00.

For 10,001-50,000 gallons used, an additional $4.90 per thousand gallons is charged.

For 50,001-200,000 gallons used, an additional $6.90 per thousand gallons is charged.

For 200,001-999,999 gallons used, a final charge of $8.30 per thousand gallons is charged.

For those customers that are not metered there is a flat charge of $231.50 billed semi-annually.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Flushing Summary

Blackstone Water Main Flushing Program

In the spring and fall seasons, the Town of Blackstone Water Department will be implementing a water main flushing program. Public notices will be placed on the town cable channel, in the Woonsocket Call, and on the town websites www.townofblackstone.org and www.blackstonema.com. The public notice will identify the anticipated start and end dates for the flushing program and the time of day, as well as the anticipated impact(s) to the community. The following information is provided to describe the process and to answer some common questions.

What is flushing?
Water main flushing is a process in which pipes are cleaned by forcing water through at high speeds. Flushing removes sediment that can cause water to appear dirty or discolored. Water main flushing may also improve the water's taste.

Why is flushing needed?
Many of town’s water mains (pipes) are old and several terminate in dead-ends. At times, they have to be flushed to remove sediment that has built up over years of use. The pipes are cleaned by forcing water through at high speeds. Flushing removes the sediment that can cause water to appear dirty or discolored. It may also improve the water's taste.

Will flushing affect your water service?
Water service will not be interrupted when pipes are flushed, but there may be less water pressure than normal. The flow of water to homes and businesses will be redirected so that pipes can be isolated for flushing. During this time, your water may be murky or appear dirty for a few hours. This is a temporary condition and not a health risk.

What should you do if rust colored stains appear on clothes after washing?
If the Water Department is flushing the water lines in your area when you are doing laundry, the water may leave a rust colored stain on clothes. To avoid this problem, avoid doing wash during the scheduled hours for flushing, wait until the rust color has disappeared from the tap water, and run the washer empty on a cold rinse cycle. If clothes have been stained from the water, a rust removing detergent is available free of charge at the Corrosion Control Facility on Elm Street or by calling the DPW at 508-883-9331. DO NOT TRY TO BLEACH OUT RUST COLORED STAINS, AS THE STAINS WILL BECOME PERMANENT.

What should you do if you have an in-line water filter?
The Water Department recommends that residents by-pass in-line water filters when flushing is being conducted. This will prevent your filter from becoming clogged quicker than normal. If you chose to leave your filter on-line, be sure to check the filter throughout the time in which flushing is being conducted. If you notice a significant water pressure drop in your home, it is likely because your water filter is clogged.

What to do after flushing work is done?
When flushing work is done in your area, please run your taps for a couple of minutes until the water is clear. Even though we try to avoid wasting water, it is necessary to run the taps for a very short time to restore water quality. The flushing program should improve the quality and reliability of water we provide to your homes and businesses. It will not correct private plumbing or corrosion problems.

What should you do if you have questions?
For general questions about main flushing or to report dirty water conditions that have not cleared up within 24 hours after flushing, please contact the Water Department at 508-883-9331. If you call after hours, please be sure to leave your name, address, and a telephone number where you can be reached.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Flushing Status

Blackstone Water Main Flushing Status

The Water Department has successfully flushed two thirds of the town's water distribution system between September 17, 2003 and October 3, 2003. In flushing the mains, approximately 750,000 gallons of water has been used to flush out iron and manganese. The approach used in implementing the flushing program was developed by the Water Department with assistance of our consultant. The flushing program is focused on moving clean water through the system to dislodge and push iron and manganese particles out dead end sections through a fire hydrant. The flushing program was interrupted by several unexpected water main breaks and as a result, has been extended to October 24, 2003. Over the coming weeks, the flushing program will focus on the Main Street area including lower Blackstone Street, Mendon Street, Federal Street, and Devlin Circle, as well as the associated side streets.

As can be seen in the below photos and video clips, the flushing process has moved a great deal of minerals out of the water mains. Once the program has been completed and the system returns to normal operating flows, the Town as a whole should experience an improved water quality with fewer brown/black water disruptions.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Conservation Plan

TOWN OF BLACKSTONE
WATER CONSERVATION GUIDE 

INTRODUCTION

Limiting outdoor water use during dry spells or droughts can be frustrating, but it is possible to conserve water and garden successfully, even with water restrictions that are designed to ensure people an adequate inside supply of water for drinking, bathing and cooking. Our lives and livelihoods depend on water. Water for people, fire protection and commerce always must be the first water priority in the town.

A family of four can easily use 500 gallons per day just cooking, bathing and flushing, and more than half of our nation’s water is needed for agriculture, industry, commerce, and municipalities. You’d be astonished if, during a drought, water officials announced, “showers, drinking water and commercial water use will be restricted so that metropolitan lawns will remain green and flowers will keep blooming.”

America has the world’s most extensive water supply and wastewater treatment systems and urbanites have long been accustomed to unlimited amounts of water. But as our urban population continues to increase, water conservation will become increasingly important. This means it is essential that home gardeners learn effective water conservation techniques. For the best results, water conservation should always be planned in advance when gardens and lawns are being established. For example, soil must be properly prepared (by mixing in organic matter such as leaf mulch, compost, manure or peat moss) so that it is porous enough to hold water. An estimated 50 to 70 percent of garden and lawn water is wasted through mismanagement of one or our most precious resources WATER.

WATER WASTERS

Frequent Shallow Watering
This practice is not only wasteful, it is also harmful because it hastens the destruction of lawns, plants and shrubs by encouraging a shallow root system. A shallow root system makes lawns and plants vulnerable to insects, sun scorching, and moisture loss. Lawns and plants have a better chance to service drought with less frequent deep-watering that encourages the establishment of a deep root system.

Flood-watering With a Hose
Watering with a large hose is a major wasteful watering practice. Watering with a bucket saves enormous quantities of water. A 5/8 inch hose empties three and a half gallons a minute or 200 gallons an hour. Thus watering from a bucket or with a small hose or soaker hose saves more water than any other conservation practice. and applies a gentle force that does not erode or damage a plant.

Mulching With Peat Moss
Peat moss holds about nine times its weight in water, which means it has to be soaking wet before water finally reaches the soil. Use other types of mulch, such as leaf mulch, straw, woodchips, grass clippings, sawdust, plastic, or commercial garden blankets.

EFFECTIVE WATERING TECHNIQUES

Establishing Water Priorities
Obviously when water is scarce it is impossible for all gardeners to water all lawns and gardens. Each individual must establish a set of watering priorities. For example, some people might set a priority for lawns, then flowers and let everything else fend for itself. Other might decide upon vegetables, then shrubs and let the lawn go dormant. Other might choose trees and shrubs, and let everything else go. The realities of replacement may be the key determining factor in choosing your priorities. For example, a lawn can be restored relatively easily if it does not come back after the drought. However, 30-year old azaleas or a hundred year old tree cannot be quickly replaced. Lawns are often the wises choice to leave for last or forget entirely.

Mulching
Mulching plants and shrubs helps conserve an estimated 15 50 percent of moisture, depending on the type of mulch used and the depth of the mulch. The may types of mulches include leaf mulch, grass clippings, leaves, bark chips, sawdust, straw, hay, tree trimmings, plastic, ground corn cobs, and commercial garden blankets. Newspapers are an effective mulch and the paper is recycled because it decomposes into the soil. A thin layer of newspapers is a natural mulch that saves money and adds beauty. Mulches should be as lease two to three inches deep. Mulches also help control moisture robbing weeds and maintain a moderate soil temperature in winter as well as summer. They can be used for flower and vegetable gardens as well as under and around trees and shrubs. Attractive rocks or marble chips over plastic effectively mulch garden paths. Apply mulches at the beginning of the growing season (after the solid has warmed up) rather than waiting until dry periods. The soil accepts more moisture if you cultivate bare soil or use natural mulches before watering, especially if you use a mulch that tends to crust, such as sawdust or ground corn cobs. O f course you will want to learn the best mulch for various plants.

Shading and Windbreaks
Plants, especially small ones, that wilt in sunny areas can benefit from partial shade during hot afternoons. Moving air robs moisture from leaf surfaces, causing the plant to need more water. Temporary windbreaks can reduce the amount of water needed by plants, but permanent windbreaks should e planned. Temporary shade and windbreaks can be provided by burlap attached to stakes.

Grey Water
This is water from household uses such as baths and dish-and clothes washing that can be applied to soil (not to leaves) of flowers and ornamentals (not vegetables). But don’t use water that contains grease or harsh cleaners, ammonia, bleach, softeners or nonbiodegradable detergents. Mix wash water and rinse water, or use only rinse water. Never use water containing borax, excess boron is highly toxic to plants. Equal amounts of grey and fresh water keep plants going, but too much creates an alkaline soil. Be sure to check the soil for sodium buildup. An effective formula is one-forth gallon grey water for every square foot of garden soil. Shower and tub water is best, followed by washing machine and kitchen sink water. “Running Dry - How to Conserve Water Indoors an Out” by Roy Addkison with Douglas Sellick, provides numerous examples of how to transport grey water to the outdoors.

CARING FOR VEGETABLES

Vegetables require more water than flowers, but fresh home grown vegetables are one of the most delightful aspects of summer. One way to conserve water and still enjoy the harvest is mulching. Proper spacing, thinning and thorough weeding are especially important during drought. Always cultivate before watering so the solid is porous enough to absorb water; otherwise a hard surface crust will form that prevents water and air from circulating. Adequate water is essential during the most critical period of growth, just after blossoming when the fruit is beginning to form. Furrow watering is especially efficient for vegetable gardens. Make connecting trenches several inches deep between rows of plants and irrigate slowly. The soaker hose method also is effective. Providing one to two inches of water once a week, to a depth of four to six inches usually lasts a week or more. A soaker hose takes about two hours to ooze one inch water along its length. (You can fashion a soaker hose of sorts be attaching an old sock to the nozzle and using a gentle stream of water.)

Tomato Lovers
Do not stake or heavily prune your tomatoes during a drought. Let them sprawl on the ground. The foliage will shade the soil , keeping the roots cooler and reducing evaporation of water from the soil. A determinant variety will sprawl less than an indeterminate, making harvesting easier. Mulching under the plants keeps the fruit cleaner. Good advance planning is indispensable. Soil must be properly prepared. It is important to know what vegetable to plant where. during long periods of drought, it may be wise to plant efficient water user vegetables that use less than one foot of water, such as cabbage and cole family members, peas and spinach. Herbs are also a good dry season crop because most originated from the hot, dry Mediterranean area.

LAWN CARE

Frequent shallow watering wastes water and hastens your lawns demise.

If you have a large lawn, think over whether you really want all that grass-would a smaller lawn suffice? A growing number of urbanites are opting for appealing alternatives that require less water, such as rock gardens, groundcover, ornamental grass areas and paths--and that can enhance outdoor enjoyment and beauty while minimizing lawn care time and expense.

If you decide a large lawn is your priority, it is important to realize that lawns require lots of water, especially when they are being established. During water restrictions, a big, green lawn becomes a luxury; it may be necessary to water only the lawn, letting other plants go. The best chance of success may be in choosing a cool season grass that goes dormant during drought, and comes back when rain returns.

Proper watering and mowing will help make your lawn stress resistant. Mowing at higher levels allows grass blades to shade one another, thus reducing water needs of the lawn. Bluegrass’s should be mowed at two and a half inches, Fescues at three inches, Zoysia grasses at one inch, and Perennial Rye grasses at two and a half inches. Keeping the lawnmower blades sharp and mowing so that no more than one third of the grass plants are removed at any one time also will reduce stress on your lawn. Watering properly helps the grass develop a deep root system that helps protect it from drought.

Frequent shallow watering results in a shallow root system, which is harmful to the grass. Less frequent deep watering is most beneficial to the grass. Deep rooted lawns generally can manage about ten days to two weeks without water. You know a lawn needs water when you step on it and the grass remains flat. Apply water only once a week directly to the soil slowly, until it penetrates to at least five to six inches dept. Set the sprinkler (soaker hoses are not advisable for lawns) with a container under it and use no more than one inch of water. (That’s equivalent to 1,850 gallons on 3,000 square feet of lawn.) Water only in the early morning or evening; if this isn’t convenient, consider investing in a mechanical timer that turns the water on and off when you are not home. while the lawn is under stress, walk on it as little as possible. During drought it is best to pull or dig out weeds rather than to use weed killer chemicals.

Do not try to keep lawns well watered and green -- this attempt puts the greatest drain of all upon municipal outside water resources during drought.

WELL ESTABLISHED LAWNS WILL SURVIVE A PERIOD OF DROUGHT. THEY NATURALLY BECOME BROWN AND DORMANT DURING DRY SPELLS OR DROUGHT, BUT MOST WILL COME BACK.

Again, advance planning helps. Well tended (fertilized, weeded and watered), healthy lawns with good soil beds are more resistant to drought, while a lawn that was in bad shape during good weather may not be able to survive a drought. Lawns that do come back after a severe drought may need rehabilitative care, such as fertilizing and extra watering when water restrictions have been lifted. Leave the short grass clippings on the lawn for extra nourishment, mulching and shade and at the same time cut your government’s refuse collection and disposal costs. Marking your watering schedule on the calendar can help you remember when, what and how much you watered.

CARE OF TREES AND SHRUBS

Most healthy, well tended, mature shrubs and trees can survive drought conditions without watering, but if you have valuable mature trees and shrubs that are showing signs of drought stress, one inch of water once a week (o two inches once a week, if your budget permits and water supply is adequate) may help ensure survival. Stress signs include dying tips of branches, dead or brown leaves, more deadwood than usual, and stagheading (branching in the center that dies off and thins out, indications the tree is in dire shape). It is impossible to meet the total phenomenal watering requirements of a large, mature tree which may use and transpire 50 gallons a day. Watering it may be somewhat of a gamble, as the tree may appear viable in the fall only to fail to leaf out the following spring. Several consecutive years of drought may have an adverse cumulative effect on trees and shrubs, especially for those that require large amounts of water. Nevertheless, trees and shrubs add so much beauty and peace to our lives, and contribute so much to good air quality, that is worth trying if the water supply permits. Watering feeder roots weekly to a depth of six the eight inches may make the difference in a plant’s survival, and in protecting your landscaping investment.

Young and newly planted shrubs and trees are especially vulnerable to drought, particularly during the first five years, as they have not yet established deep root systems even though well tended. Watering them also may be a gamble as you may invest a great deal of water only to see them die anyhow. The wise choice may e to water such plants only if they were expensive to plant; otherwise, let them go and replant after the drought is over. Water one to two inches once or twice a seek, depending on how hot it is. It may help these plants to cover them with wet sheets during the heat of the day, or mount snow fencing on stakes to provide shade.

Shrubs and trees of all ages benefit from mulching if the mulching is properly applied. The mulch should begin at the dripline, all around the plant, and continue to the truck, creating a saucer that helps channel water to the roots. The depth should be four to six inches at the dripline and taper down to a thin layer at the truck. Mounds of mulch should not be heaped up against the truck, as this ultimately smothers the root system and provides a hiding place for insects and vermin to chew at the bark and invade the tree. The mulch also helps protect the plant from wounds during mowing.

Trees and shrubs get more moisture and stay more resistant to gypsy moths if you avoid planing ivy or other groundcovers within the drip line. The groundcover plants get the first crack at water, while the trees and vines climb up a tree trunk, as this weakens the plant’s defenses and can deform growth.

Watering trees and shrubs should be done slowly with a soaker (dripirrigation) hose once a week. If you do not want to purchase such a hose, which also provides the perfect slow drip watering system for flowers, vegetables and young trees and shrubs, use a hose with a small opening at the smallest trickle possible. Trickle from several hours to all night, depending on your watering budget and watering restrictions. Once or twice a week, young plants can be watered from a five gallon plastic bucket or gallon size plastic milk jug with holes punched in the bottom to permit slow drip irrigation near the stem.

COMMON SENSE CONSERVES WATER

Don’t water without reason. Heed the daily forecast; if rain is forecast, wait and see if it rains before you water. Use a rain gauge or set out an empty coffee can to measure rainfall; a three-fourth inch of water is good for about 10 days. Catch all the rainwater possible. Know when to water; watch for wilting, heavy leaf fall or changed leaf appearance. Sample soil moisture. Dig down 6 to 18 inches for a sample; if soil will not form a ball, it is too dry to provide water to plants, and it is too wet if it does form a ball in-between is just right. Know when not to water; vast quantities of water are lost to evaporation from heat and wind in the midday. Watering in the early morning or evening delivers more water to plants.

Perpetually soggy soil eliminates aeration, depriving plants of necessary oxygen. Put a gun type trigger control on the hose to apply water only where it is needed, but turn it off at the faucet. Do not throw away leaky hoses; add more holes and use for efficient, slow soaking irrigation of flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs. Position sprinklers carefully so water is not wasted on the street, sidewalk, driveway or other area where it is not needed. An oscillation circular spray gives you more water delivery control. Let go of plants you did not like or that were ill before the drought; replace later with drought resistant plants.

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS FOR DRY SITES

There are many lovely plants for sunny areas that need less water during dry time. Here is a sampling of what some experts suggest, and many garden books offer more extensive lists.

Annuals

Perennials

Day Lillies
Dusty Miller
Yarrow
Hollyhocks
Yucca
Alyssum
Coral Bells
Candytuft
Sweetpeas
Plum Poppies
Hardy succulents and semi succulent sedums also may do well in dry setting.

Groundcovers

Periwinkle
Vinca Minor
Ivies

Shrubs

Caryopteris
glossy Abelia or Beauty bush
Forsythia or Butterfly Bush
Barberry or Sweet Mock Orange or Old Fashioned Shrub Type Roses
Witch Hazel or Flowering Almond
Pyracantha
Cotoneaster

Trees

There are also the drought tolerant Black Walnut and Mulberry which attract wildlife and are nice in out of the way areas of a big year.

Always plant trees in places that will permit full growth.

WHY CONSERVE WATER?

Facts The Will Hold Water
In 1900 Americans used 95 Gallons or water per day per person; by 1985 the national per capita fresh water use (domestic and nondomestic) was about 1,400 gallons per day (gpd) per person. It is estimated the nation will need more than 800 billion gallons daily by the year 200, for an annual total of 291 trillion gallons. About 53 percent of 1985’s consumption was by the eastern regions.

The average home uses 41 percent of its water for flushing, 37 percent for bathing, 6 percent in the kitchen, 5 percent for drinking, 4 percent for clothes, 3 percent in housecleaning, 3 percent in the lawn and garden, and 1 percent washing cars. Amounts vary seasonally and regionally.

America’s abundance of potable water is unmatched anywhere on earth; about a third of the world’s population (or more than a billion) lack adequate drinking water, and more than a billion lack sanitary waste disposal facilities.
It takes 1,000 tons of water to grow one tone of grain, 2,000 tons to grow one ton of rice, 250 tons to make one ton of paper, 150 tons to manufacture one ton of steel, some 1,300 gallons to raise the pound of cotton in a pair of jeans and about 30,000 gallons for the steel in the family auto. Hydroelectric power generation requires about 3,050,000 gpd. Nuclear power plants nee 50 percent more water than fossil fuel plants. Billions of gallons are

Food production requires 1,000 gallons of water per pound to produce the 1,500 pounds of food consumed annually by the average American; to produce beef, 4,000 gallons of water per pound.

The nation as a whole averages about 28 to 30 inches of precipitation a year, producing a flow of more than a trillion gallons per day; the problem is that the precipitation is not always spread evenly throughout the country all year, so that water demands do not always meet water availability. One inch of rain water equals about 17.4 million gallons of water per square mile, a challenging amount to match with sprinklers.

More than 99 percent of the world’s water supply, about 139 million cubic miles (cm) are in oceans, 50,000 cm in glaciers/icecaps, 30,000 cm in lakes, 20,000 cm in the underground watertable, 6,000 cm in the soil, and 300 cm in rivers and streams. A million cubic miles is beneath the water table, but generally is not economically recoverable. About half of our nation’s drinking water comes from underground aquifers; some of these water tables are falling six to 36 inches a year because water consumption is faster than nature can annually replenish the supply. For example, it takes only 10 years to pump 1,200 years of natural accumulation.

OTHER VOLUNTARY MEASURES

Washing Machine
Wash full loads; machines use 40 to 60 gallons a load.

Handwashing
Wash and rinse in the sink or dishpan to save five gallons; with the tap running half open for 18 minutes, 25 gallons are used.

Automatic Dishwasher
Run the machine only when it is full; machines use 11 to 14 gallons on a full cycle, and eight to nine on a short cycle.

Hand Dishwashing
A running tap consumes 30 gallons; use only five by wetting dishes, sudsing and rinsing in a filled dishpan or sink. Use easy wash pots, pans and skillets; immerse in a filled basin or sink instead of running tremendous streams of tap water, then rinse together.

Faucet Dripping
It cost only a few cents to put in a new faucet washer; a dripping faucet can use up to ten gallons a day. A common hidden pipe leak of one gallon per six minutes wastes up to 240 gallons a day nearly equal to the average amount of usage for a single family home, doubling daily consumption.

Toilet
Five to seven gallons disappear with each flush. Flush only when necessary, repair a constantly running flushing mechanism and use tank devices that reduce the water needed. An unnoticed tank leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water.

Shaving
By leaving the tap running during a 10 minute shave, 15 gallons are lost. Save a gallon by filling the basin.

Washing Hands
Each one minute handwash takes one and a half gallons. Save water by using moist toweletts in the bathroom and kitchen.

Shower
Each minute, 12 gallons go down the drain. Install a flow restrictor and save three gallons a minute. To save even more wet down, turn off the water, soap up, then rinse off. Catch the water that runs while waiting for hot water.

Brushing Teeth
With the tap running, seven and a half gallons are used. Use only a half gallon by wetting the brush, turning off the water, brushing and rinsing briefly.

Bath
A full tub consumes 36 gallons, but only a third of a tubful still gets you nice and clean.

House Plants
Save unsalted vegetable cooking water for house plants, it is good for them. Instead of washing under a steady stream of water, fill a container with water for rinsing the day’s vegetables and fruits, and then use for plant watering.

Cooking
Vegetables taste better, look better, and retain more nutrients when steamed, microwaved, or cooked with only small amount of water. Use garbage disposal units sparingly; consider composting such items as coffee ground, egg shells, peelings, leaves and stems in securely covered containers with alternate layers of sawdust, leaves, grass clippings or clayey soil. Chill beverages in the fridge to cut the need for ice cubes.

Rain Water
Set out pails to catch it and then use it in the garden.

In summary, establishing priorities is the key to stretching outdoor watering when there is precious little water to go around. This, with proper watering practices, will help you derive maximum benefits from the water that you do invest in a judicious watering economy. As former Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall once said, “Earth and water, if not blatantly abused, can be made to produce again and again for the benefit of all. The key is wise stewardship.”

Back to Top

Back to Top

Water Ban

TOWN OF BLACKSTONE
WATER BAN INFORMATION

The Town of Blackstone co-operating with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is asking Town residents to conserve water. The following is the Town of Blackstone’s Water Conservation Plan.

Phase I Voluntary Water Ban
Residents are requested to restrict outside watering to odd and even basis. Residents with odd numbered homes can water on odd days, and even numbered homes on even days.

Phase II Mandatory Water Ban
Residents must restrict outside watering to odd and even basis. Residents with odd numbered homes can water on odd days, and even numbered homes on even days. Any violator will be subject to penalties, fines and/or water termination.

Phase III Mandatory Water Ban
No watering of lawns. Residents may water plants and gardens on an odd/even basis. Residents with odd numbered homes can water on odd days, and even numbered homes on even days. Any violator will be subject to penalties, fines and/or water termination.

Phase IV
Absolutely no outdoor water use. Any violator will be subject to penalties, fines and/or water termination.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Storm Water Information

Notice to Developers - Storm Water Permit Requirements
All developers in the Town of Blackstone should be aware that the Environmental Protection Agency has strict regulations regarding storm water generated from construction activities. Please be advised that as of March 10, 2003, any project that disturbs one acre or more of land is required to comply with the EPA storm water requirements. Additional information about this program is available at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/cgp.cfm

Public Education About Storm Water
Stormwater discharges are generated by runoff from land and impervious areas such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops during rainfall and snow events that often contain pollutants in quantities that could adversely affect water quality. Most stormwater discharges are considered point sources and require coverage by an NPDES permit. The primary method to control stormwater discharges is through the use of best management practices. Information about the EPA storm water program can be found at the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/NE/npdes/stormwater/

Back to Top

Back to Top