Kittery Water District

Vegetable gardens may still be watered on the two designated watering days listed in the notice. On the other days, we ask that gardens be hand watered as needed rather than using a sprinkler for an extended period of time.

We understand that vegetable gardens need adequate water in order to grow and produce, and we do not want the restrictions to cause issues with maintaining your garden. We simply ask that you please be conservative with your water use when watering on the off days.

When hand watering, as a suggested garden practice, we recommend watering directly at the base of the plants during the evening or early morning hours. This allows the water to reach the roots where it is needed while minimizing unnecessary water use.

Do private well owners need to restrict their water use?

No. Kittery Water District’s water use restrictions apply to customers of the District and do not regulate the use of privately owned wells.

However, private well owners are encouraged to be mindful of their water use during prolonged dry conditions. Private wells rely on groundwater, which is replenished as rain and snowmelt infiltrate through the ground and recharge the groundwater supply. This recharge does not necessarily occur immediately following a rainfall event, and groundwater levels can continue to be affected by extended periods of below-average precipitation.

Given the limited precipitation and snowpack experienced in our area, private well owners may also want to consider conserving water and avoiding unnecessary or prolonged water use. Maine Emergency Management Agency specifically recommends that private well owners conserve water during drought conditions and spread water use throughout the day to allow time for groundwater recharge.

What is the difference between the District’s water supply and private well water?

Kittery Water District’s water supply comes from surface water sources, while private wells draw from groundwater. Although they are different water sources, both ultimately depend on precipitation for replenishment.

The District’s ponds rely on rainfall and watershed runoff for recharge, while groundwater is replenished more gradually as rain and snowmelt infiltrate and move through the soil and underlying rock.

While individual system demands can contribute to water use, the current restrictions are the result of broader water supply conditions. The District’s surface water sources rely on precipitation to recharge, and prolonged below-average rainfall combined with increased seasonal demand has resulted in declining water supply levels.

Is drip irrigation limited to the two designated watering days?

No. Drip irrigation is exempt from the twice-per-week landscape watering restriction. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root area and minimizes water loss from evaporation, runoff, and overspray.

Customers using drip irrigation are asked to continue being mindful of their overall water use and to operate their systems only as needed during the current conservation conditions.