Boston Water Restrictions 2026
Suffolk County (Greater MWRA Service Area) · Massachusetts
Published:
Drought Level 2 (Significant) - MWRA September 2025
We have not independently verified this city’s watering schedule. Rules change with drought stage and can be updated at short notice. Confirm your assigned watering days on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) official page before watering. Following the wrong schedule can result in a municipal fine.
Verification needed
Check with utility
Before 9:00 AM
Allowed Hours
Verification needed
Check with utility
Check Your Watering Day With Boston
We have not verified Boston’s current watering schedule against an official source. Watering rules are set by your city and change with drought stage.
Confirm your assigned days on Boston’s official water page: Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA).
Allowed Watering Hours
No outdoor irrigation between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. No Wednesday irrigation under Drought Level 2.
Still Allowed
💧 Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day with a shut-off nozzle.
🌿 Drip Irrigation
Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.
Fines & Enforcement
$250 per violation
MWRA member communities issue $250 citations per violation. Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Brookline, and 55 other communities share enforcement.
🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Massachusetts HOA law requires acceptance of MWRA declarations. Document compliance if your HOA sends a violation.
If your homeowners association sends a violation notice for a dormant or brown lawn during the current restriction period, respond in writing citing the applicable law and include a copy of the current restriction order from Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Most HOAs will rescind the notice once they are made aware of the legal protections in place. If the issue persists, contact your county’s code enforcement division for assistance.
Why These Restrictions Exist
MWRA (Metropolitan Area Water Authority) serves 60 communities in Greater Boston, 2.5 million people. MWRA declared Drought Level 2 (Significant) in September 2025 after Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs dropped to 68% combined. Cape Cod communities face separate aquifer pressure from summer tourism spikes.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Boston area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Boston Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Boston homeowners during Drought Level 2 (Significant) - MWRA September 2025 restrictions.
Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue dominate Boston-area lawns, both handle 3 days/week.
Mow to 3.5–4 inches.
MWRA smart controller rebates cover $50.
Replace parkway strips with New England natives, Little Bluestem, Black-Eyed Susan.
Drip-irrigate vegetable beds and fruit trees.
Fix leaks within 48 hours.
Convert overhead spray to rotary nozzles.
Skip cycles after any 0.25"+ rainfall.
Harvest rainwater.
Group plants by hydrozone.
Track monthly use at mwra.com, Drought Level 2 targets 10% reduction vs. prior August.
Boston Water Restriction FAQs
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What hours can I run my sprinklers in Boston?
What are the fines for water violations in Boston?
Can I install new sod or seed in Boston during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Boston?
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