Natick Water Ban In Effect Due To Water Supply Restrictions

NATICK, MA — Natick on Friday declared a water ban, which is partially related to the discovery of elevated levels of PFAS chemicals in town water.

In late 2020, tests showed PFAS levels at the Springvale H&T plant above the state limit. The town switched to rely on the Elm Bank treatment plant, which has the lowest PFAS levels, to use as the town's primary water source.

However, the town operates the Elm Bank plant under a state permit that limits its use during drought conditions. The ban announced Friday is aimed at conserving water at Elm Bank.

"In order to continue pumping from the Elm Bank wells, we are required to implement a non-essential outdoor water ban," the town said in a bulletin Friday. "We ask all residents and businesses of the town of Natick to restrict all non-essential outside water use until further notice. "

RELATED: Natick May Spend $3M To Reduce PFAS In Town Water

The town said the ban could last between one and six months.

During the ban, residents won't be able to do any outdoor watering, except for limited "essential" functions. Essential watering is restricted to overnight hours between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. Those allowed uses include:

• Health and safety
• In food and fiber production, and maintaining livestock and crops
• To meet the core business functions
• Irrigation by plant nurseries
• Washing equipment to prevent damage and/or maintain performance
• Pest management