Department of Public Works

Overview

The Department of Public Works protects the health, safety, and well-being of everyone in the community. Through our dedicated employees, we strive to plan, design, build, maintain and operate a complex combination of above-ground and below-ground public infrastructure in a manner that respects the environment and adequately preserves these assets for succeeding generations.

For inquiries regarding Water Quality or PFAS6 please contact the Water Quality Hotline.

Level III - Critical Drought

Starting Monday, August 8, 2022, Outdoor Watering is Prohibited Until Further Notice

Due to the elevated temperatures and future forecasts predicting little to no meaningful precipitation, we have currently entered a Level III Critical Drought. It is critical to practice good water conservation to ensure its availability, especially in times of drought. In an effort to conserve water supplies, starting on Monday, August 8, 2022, outdoor watering is prohibited until further notice.

Prohibited Watering

• Automated Sprinkler Use
• Filling of Swimming Pools

Exceptions to the Restrictions

• Watering of newly established lawns, only in May and September.
• Watering for agricultural and livestock
• Watering of home gardens, between the hours of 8 pm to 6 am
• Watering for washing buildings in preparation for surface coating, paints and stain
• Watering used for nursery, garden supply inventory for sale
• Watering of recreational fields one day per week, as assigned and approved between the hours of 8 pm to 6 am, Monday through Friday

Any person violating this bylaw shall be liable to the Town in the amount of $50 for the first violation and $100 for each subsequent violation. Fines shall be recovered by indictment, or on complaint before the District Court, or by noncriminal disposition in accordance with MGL c. 40, § 21D. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.

The enforcement officers for the purpose of this bylaw shall be the Board of Selectmen or authorized employees of the Plainville Water Department. Enforcing officers shall notify the offending water consumer by delivering a copy of notice of noncriminal violation as prescribed by MGL c. 40, § 21D. Hearing and appeal procedures shall be in accordance with applicable statutes and bylaws.

This notice of declaration of State of Water Supply Conservation is required to be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the Town, or by such other means, which would reasonably reach and inform all users of water. Any restriction imposed under § 445-5 shall not be effective until such notification is provided. The notice should include the Violations and Penalty § 445-9 and Enforcement § 445-11.

The Water Conservation webpage has more tips on easy ways to save.