We've done some studies for properties that have irrigation meters because we require that now - and we found that approximately 80% of that household's use is dumped on their lawn for a green grass.
— Rob Faley, Chatham DPW Director
Understanding Cape Cod’s Water Restrictions
Cape Cod is in a level-2 drought, but what does that really mean in daily practice?
Click on image to watch the short news story.
04 September 2026 – CAPE COD, MA – Cape Cod has been in a level-2 drought for a long time, and towns have applied various restrictions aimed at conserving the single-source aquifer – but not all towns are alike. Cape Cod News set out out to learn what exactly “non-essential” means and if the public actually follows the rules.
What are Cape Cod’s current water restrictions?
| Ban non-essential water use: |
Ban non-essential water use several days per week: | Voluntary restrictions: |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
 |
||
Why is water use restricted?
Cape Cod’s long-term drought means well levels are falling across Cape Cod, compelling local water departments to respond, based on operating agreements with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
As of Sept. 1, state officials say the Cape remains in a level-2 “significant drought,” with at least 14 public water suppliers restricting non-essential outdoor water use to some degree .
How are communities impacted?
As of early September, public water departments in Falmouth, Mashpee, Orleans, Provincetown and Yarmouth banned non-essential outdoor water use, while Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Harwich and Hyannis restricted non-essential use to either two or three days per week.
“There are certain considerations that I think impact different communities in different ways,” said Robert Faley, Director of Chatham’s Department of Public Works. “It really depends on the level of drought—what we allow, what we don’t allow.”
In addition to the mandatory triggers in nine communities, water districts in Bourne, Cotuit, Sandwich and the COMM Water Department–which supplies Centerville, Osterville and Marstons Mills–instituted voluntary restrictions.
Only Eastham, Wellfleet, and Truro are without water restrictions.
What does “non-essential” mean?
Restrictions focus on what is called “non-essential use.” On the Cape these “non-essential” uses vary, but local water officials identify one particular use with the potential to place significant strain on a community’s water supply: spray irrigation.
“The big one in Chatham is irrigation,” said Faley. “We’ve done some studies for properties that have separate irrigation meters because we require that now, and we found that approximately 80% of that household’s use is dumped on their lawn for green grass.”
Why is non-essential use curbed?
Public water systems impose restrictions on non-essential use during droughts to conserve water and secure a reliable supply for critical needs such as drinking water and fire protection.
In addition to irrigation and sprinklers, non-essential outdoor water use extends to filling and refilling swimming pools, as well as washing vehicles and exterior surfaces like decks and walkways.
Who decides on restrictions?
Local water departments implement usage restrictions individually, so the fine print varies between communities. However, when defining “non-essential” versus “essential” water use, officials follow the general guidelines laid out by MassDEP.
Under those guidelines, essential use includes water for health or safety, food production, livestock maintenance or core business functions. In addition, the state considers uses covered by permits, licenses, statutes or regulations essential as well.
Are there exemption to restrcitions?
During a drought, people may see town shared spaces receiving water. That’s because most of these spaces fall into a special exemption.
“Any kind of park—public park or recreation area—is exempt,” Brown said, speaking about exemptions specific to Orleans.
“Farming is exempt, anything for a core business use, like a carwash, is exempt and then there’s exemptions in September and May for establishing lawns.”
What are core business use exemptions?
The term ‘core business use’ forms a broad label, but generally refers to water use necessary for a business to function.
“We’re trying not to impact somebody’s livelihood, but still [be] considerate of the environment and of the watershed,” Faley said.
For example, the Town of Yarmouth lists several examples of core business use in its water restrictions: plant nurseries, wedding venues, exterior washing professionals and golf courses. For golf courses the exemption applies to green, tee box and limited fairway watering.
However, specifics may vary depending on the community and the severity of current drought conditions.
Is hand watering allowed?
Watering via hand-held hose or bucket is typically permitted between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. in communities with active outdoor water use restrictions.
Do restrictions apply to private wells?
Many properties across the Cape use private wells, rather than a connection to the public water supply. These bring another notable piece of the water restriction puzzle. Depending on the town, private wells may or may not be exempt from water restrictions.
For example, Orleans has a bylaw that includes private wells in townwide water regulations. Chatham’s restrictions, on the other hand, only apply to municipal water.
In other words, if a town hasn’t applied the necessary by-law, then residential lawns, and golf courses that use private wells in that town, are not subject to water use restrictions.
This private well exemption may explain the seeming incongruity people have observed, in which some locations water large green lawns, while others are not allowed to use water for irrigation.
Are people following the rules?
While the Cape is peppered with water use restrictions, public compliance is another matter.
“There’s always a percentage of the public that is really conscientious about water usage, about drought conditions,” Faley said, but he added that fines or more drastic measures will not likely deter “a certain percentage of the population” that wants a green lawn.
In Orleans, Brown was largely in agreement.
“Predominately people are complying,” she said. “But there are a few who have chosen to just pay the fines.”
Why don’t people comply?
Brown also noted that monitoring private wells—under usage restrictions in Orleans—poses a challenge for local officials.
“It’s certainly hard to track from the office, because we don’t have usage to view, to see that they’re watering,” she said. “However, most is reported to the office with video and pictures.”
Penalties for disregarding restrictions vary between communities. Some municipalities, such as Orleans, issue fines for continued noncompliance, but others, such as Chatham, do not have a fine system at this time.
| More coverage from our drought series! |
|---|
|
|
|
|
