Kittery Water District encourages efficient water use year-round to help protect our water supply and ensure reliable service for all customers.
During periods of high demand, drought, or other conditions affecting the water system, the District may implement one of four conservation levels established in Section 16 of the Kittery Water District Terms & Conditions.
Why Water Use Restrictions May Be Necessary
Kittery Water District is committed to providing a safe, reliable water supply for our customers every day. During periods of unusually high water demand, drought, or other emergencies affecting the water system, temporary water use restrictions may be necessary to protect the public water supply and ensure water remains available for essential needs.
Water use restrictions help:
- 💧 Maintain a reliable drinking water supply
- 🚒 Ensure adequate water for fire protection
- 🏠 Meet essential household and business needs
- 🌎 Protect our groundwater resources during periods of high demand or drought
Water use restrictions may be implemented whenever a water supply shortage or emergency affects the District’s ability to meet current or anticipated water demand. Examples include:
- Extended drought conditions
- Major infrastructure failures
- Source water shortages
- Other emergencies affecting the public water system
The Utility Board is authorized under the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s Chapter 620 Rules and Regulations, with approval from the Maine Drinking Water Program, to implement water use restrictions when necessary to protect the public water supply.
Depending on water supply conditions, one of the following conservation levels may be implemented:
Conservation Levels
🟢 Level 1 – Voluntary Conservation
What this means
Water supplies remain stable, but customers are encouraged to reduce unnecessary water use to help prevent future restrictions.
We ask customers to:
- Reduce unnecessary outdoor watering.
- Water lawns and gardens only between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
- Repair leaking faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems.
- Run only full loads of laundry and dishwashers.
- Practice good everyday water conservation.
Goal: Reduce overall water demand while avoiding mandatory restrictions.
🟡 Level 2 – Moderate Water Restrictions
What this means
Voluntary conservation is no longer sufficient, and moderate restrictions are necessary to reduce demand.
Watering Schedule
Outdoor watering is limited to 8:00 PM – 7:00 AM
- Odd-numbered addresses — Odd-numbered calendar days
- Even-numbered addresses — Even-numbered calendar days
Continue all Level 1 conservation efforts and reduce non-essential outdoor water use.
🟠 Level 3 – Severe Water Restrictions
What this means
Water supplies are becoming critically stressed, and stronger conservation measures are required.
Watering Schedule
Outdoor watering is limited to 8:00 PM – 7:00 AM
- Odd-numbered addresses — Mondays & Thursdays
- Even-numbered addresses — Tuesdays & Fridays
In addition:
- Most outdoor watering should be suspended.
- Non-essential outdoor water use should be minimized.
- Additional conservation measures may be implemented as needed.
🔴 Level 4 – Emergency Water Restrictions
What this means
Emergency conditions require immediate action to protect the public water supply.
The following uses are prohibited:
🚫 Landscape watering
🚫 Filling swimming pools larger than 100 gallons
🚫 Washing streets, driveways, sidewalks, or other impervious surfaces
🚫 Washing vehicles or boats at non-commercial facilities
Additional emergency restrictions may be implemented if necessary to protect public health and maintain adequate water supplies.
How Will I Know if Restrictions Are in Effect?
If conservation measures become necessary, the Kittery Water District will notify customers through available communication channels, which may include:
- 🌐 Website Updates
- 📱 Social Media
- 📰 Local News Media
- 📧 Email Notifications (to customers with a current email address on file)
- 📢 Public Notices, as appropriate
Why Water Conservation Matters
Even when water supplies appear plentiful, using water efficiently helps:
💧 Protect our groundwater resources
🚒 Maintain adequate fire protection
🏠 Meet seasonal demand
🌎 Preserve water for future generations
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Why do restrictions usually begin with outdoor watering?
Outdoor irrigation accounts for the largest increase in water demand during the summer months. Reducing non-essential outdoor water use helps preserve water for drinking, sanitation, fire protection, and other essential needs.
Why is watering limited to the evening and early morning?
Watering during cooler hours reduces evaporation and allows more water to reach plant roots.
Why do odd and even addresses matter?
Alternating watering days helps reduce peak demand on the water system.
Who decides when restrictions begin?
The Kittery Water District Board, with approval from the Maine Drinking Water Program, may implement restrictions when necessary to protect the public water supply.
When are restrictions lifted?
Restrictions are removed once water supply conditions improve and the District determines they are no longer necessary.
📖Official Terms & Conditions
The summaries above are provided as a customer-friendly overview.
For the complete requirements, enforcement provisions, exceptions, and legal language governing water use restrictions, please refer to:
➡️ Section 16 – Water Use Restrictions (Kittery Water District Terms & Conditions)
All Customers shall minimize the waste of water. Pursuant to Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules and Regulations, when necessary to conserve the water supply or in the event of an emergency, the Utility may restrict or prohibit waste or improper usage for all Customers, including but not limited to the use of hoses and lawn sprinklers. Under these conditions, the Utility will decide what constitutes waste and improper usage in order to protect the safety of the water system.
Water Use Restrictions
The purpose of this section is to ensure that water use is regulated in a manner that the Board, with the approval of the Maine Drinking Water Program, deems to be in the best interests of the Utility and its Customers. The Board shall use reasonable means to protect, preserve and maintain the public health, safety and welfare when a water supply shortage exists.
The Utility Board adopts this term under its authority to regulate public water systems pursuant to Chapter 620, and the authority granted by the Maine Drinking Water Program. The requirements of this section shall apply to all water users with connections receiving water from the Utility.
By definition, a water supply shortage is a situation when insufficient water is available to meet the present or anticipated needs of the water system. A water supply shortage usually occurs due to drought or a major infrastructure failure.
Upon declaration of a State of Water Supply Shortage or other water emergency, the Board, with the approval of the Maine Drinking Water Program, shall be authorized to determine and implement restrictions necessary to conserve and maintain adequate reserves of the public water supply. Provided there is a declaration as noted above, the following levels of progressive restriction shall apply immediately after the public notification period specified below.
