UPDATE (August 11, 2026): Berkshire County is not in drought at this time.
As of May 28, 2026, The Town of Williamstown has implemented a non-essential outdoor watering restriction under Town Code Chapter 137, Section 11. Until further notice, non-essential outdoor watering is prohibited between 9 am and 5 pm. This is due to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection drought declaration.
Permitted watering — before 9 am or after 5 pm only:
- Watering your lawn, garden, flowers, and ornamental plants
- Irrigating new lawn (May–September)
- Watering public parks and recreational fields
⚠️ Hand-held hose only. Automatic irrigation systems and sprinklers are not permitted at any hour.
Strictly prohibited during ban
- Lawn irrigation (except by hand-held hose before 9 am or after 5 pm)
- Washing vehicles (except at a commercial car wash, or as necessary for operator safety)
- Washing exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways, or sidewalks (except as necessary to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement, or cement)
Exemptions
The following uses are exempt from the restriction:
- Health or safety needs
- Production of food and fiber
Livestock maintenance - Core business functions (such as golf course greens maintenance or plant nursery irrigation)
Penalties
Violations are subject to a fine of $50 for the first offense and $100 for each subsequent violation.
Questions?
Contact the Water Department at (413) 458-3383
