Orange and Athol have lifted the outdoor water use restrictions implemented about two months ago.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Orange implemented the water use restriction June 4, while Athol did so June 12.
“Everybody was very cooperative, we only had to inform a few people that weren’t aware of the ban,” said Douglas Walsh, superintendent of the Athol Department of Public Works.
The restriction, which banned any non-essential outdoor water use between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., was previously implemented in Athol and Orange due to reduced streamflow in the Millers River.
The DEP requires restrictions to be applied when the streamflow, measured by a gauge in Erving, drops below 186 cubic feet per second for more than three consecutive days. The water restriction is lifted once the river gauge moves around 186 cubic feet per second for seven straight days or after Sept. 30. According to the DEP, the restrictions normally run from the beginning of May through the end of September.
In a post on the town’s website Orange Water Department Superintendent Kenneth Wysk thanked the residents for their patience and compliance during the water use restriction.
“Your water conservation efforts not only lower your bill, but also help sustain local water resources,” wrote Wysk.