Town council seeks to curb water use as drought continues

Cape Cod has been declared at a Level 3 – Critical Drought level by the Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card. This declaration will remain in effect until the next declaration anticipated in mid-September.  This is basically a ban on the non-essential use of water.  Barnstable’s fire districts have been monitoring the drought conditions through the Commonwealths Drought Management Task Force.  There have been substantial brushfires elsewhere in the state that have been worsened by the drought conditions. Cape Cod generally and Barnstable specifically have not been affected to that extent.  No additional regulations or prohibitions have been enacted from a Fire Department standpoint, primarily because open burning is currently prohibited by the state.  If drought conditions do not improve that may be a consideration for the open burning season.  We will continue to coordinate with and monitor the situation with Barnstable’s Fire and Water Departments.  Residents and businesses can check the Mass.gov website (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status) and search “drought” for specific information relevant to their questions on this matter or contact your local water or fire department.