The Wareham Water Department's odd/even sprinkler ordinance is in effect from May 1 to September 30.

Sprinkler usage is restricted to every other day based on the street address. If your street address is an even number, you may water the lawn on even-numbered calendar days. If you have an odd-numbered street address, water your grass on odd-numbered days.

The sprinkler ordinance applies only to lawn sprinklers. Using a handheld hose is not restricted. The purpose of the ordinance is to reduce lawn watering during periods of peak demand.

In 2002, the Wareham Water Department developed a water conservation plan to comply with an administrative order issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The plan is known as the “sprinkler ordinance.”

“The intent of the [ordinance] is to prevent a water shortage rather than to respond to one with a ban. The odd/even sprinkler ordinance is the least restrictive yet most effective means of water conservation we have,” said Wareham Water Department Superintendent Michael Martin.

Without a sprinkler ordinance, the district can only maintain water pressure by running all seven well pumps at full capacity 24-hours a day. This could result in a breakdown or failure of a well when the need is the greatest.

The district enforces the policy and penalties do apply. The policy permits an exemption for newly-seeded lawns.

Copies of the odd/even policy and the new lawn exemptions are available at the Wareham Water Department Office located at 2550 Cranberry Highway.