Drought Update for Cape Cod: Please Conserve Water
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has elevated the Cape Cod region to a Level 2 – Significant Drought due to ongoing dry conditions and below-average rainfall. This means it’s more important than ever for all of us to do our part to conserve water and protect our natural resources.
Here’s how you can help:
- Limit outdoor watering to handheld hoses or cans, to two days a week and only between 5 PM and 9 AM. This is mandatory and enforceable in Orleans starting May 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2025.
- Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full
- Fix leaks promptly - every drop counts
- Avoid washing vehicles, boats, or hard surfaces unless absolutely necessary
Even if landscapes appear green, groundwater levels and stream flows remain low across the Cape. Every small action helps reduce strain on our water supply.
For more information visit the Water Department's webpage.
