YOU ARE INVITED TO A PUBLIC WORKSHOP (ZOOM ON-LINE)
AUTOMATIC IN-GROUND IRRIGATION CONNECTION MORATORIUM
AUGUST 26, 2020 6:30 PM
ZOOM MEETING ID: 825 7827 7242
ZOOM MEETING URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82578277242
“On July 15th, the Cotuit Water Commission voted to extend the moratorium on new connections to the Cotuit drinking water supply for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems until October 20, 2020. The purpose of the temporary halt is to enable the Commission to review a series of proposals and seek public input on suggestions to discourage the use of the public drinking water system for lawn irrigation.
This moratorium does not affect new hook-ups for in-home water distribution. It also does not affect existing in-ground irrigation. The Commission is concerned that natural water bodies, especially streams and freshwater wetlands in Cotuit, are being impacted by excessive well drawdown during the peak demand months in the summer. Water quality in the distribution system can also be impaired by excessive drawdown near wetlands, such as by manganese and iron infiltration.
Among the items which the Commission is exploring are a permanent ban on new irrigation connections, water-saving devices and methods for irrigation, required inspections on irrigation systems, separate metering, premium pricing, eventual disconnections, and fertigation wells.
We hope that Cotuit ratepayers will participate in our workshop and learn more about these ideas with the Commission. We are interested in your thoughts and ideas. Please see our website and Facebook page for more information.”