Town cemeteries will no longer supply water from spigots this summer, replacing them with rain barrels in hopes of reducing waste.

The water spigots previously used were supplied with water by the Wareham and Onset fire districts, but now 55-gallon rain barrels are available in cemeteries for public use this summer.

Rain barrels were approved by cemetery commissioners this year as a clean water source that will reduce water waste and minimize the vandalism that has occurred over the last few years.

Commissioners also believe this measure will lower the town’s water bill, as thousands of gallons of water were previously wasted.

In the past, the spigots were left open, the water was used to clean vehicles and there were issues with theft and vandalism.

Town Administrator Derek Sullivan apologized for the inconvenience this adjustment may cause.

“We understand that this is a very emotional topic and that there are many who conscientiously use the water,” Sullivan said in a press release. “However, we believe that the rain barrels will help curb abuse and rising water costs.”