Lancaster Water Ban Remains as Central Massachusetts Drought Continues

Lancaster’s mandatory outdoor watering restrictions remain in effect as of July 26, 2026, as Central Massachusetts continues under the state’s Level 2 Significant Drought designation.

The town’s water ban took effect July 2 and covers nonessential outdoor water use from public water sources. Lancaster says the restriction is intended to conserve supplies and help preserve water for drinking, public health, public safety and fire protection.

How the watering schedule works

Properties with even-numbered street addresses may use irrigation systems or lawn sprinklers on even-numbered calendar days. Properties with odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered calendar days.

The odd-even schedule does not allow watering at any time of day. Nonessential outdoor watering is prohibited from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days, and watering is prohibited on Sundays.

Hand watering of flowers, ornamental plants, shrubs and trees may be allowed with a watering can, hand-held hose or drip irrigation, preferably before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m., subject to the conditions in the town’s notice.

Uses that remain allowed

Lancaster’s notice allows water use necessary for health and safety, along with drinking, cooking, bathing, sanitation and other household needs. Watering vegetable gardens and food-producing plants is also listed as an allowed use, as is water needed to maintain livestock.

The notice also allows water required for the core function of a business when no reasonable alternative is available. Vehicle washing is prohibited except at a commercial car wash or when needed for public safety or essential operations. Washing driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, buildings and other exterior surfaces is also prohibited, except for construction, maintenance, sanitation or public-health purposes.

Swimming pools may not be filled or topped off unless doing so is necessary to protect equipment or public health.

Why the restrictions continue

Massachusetts reported on July 9 that Central Massachusetts remained at Level 2 Significant Drought. The state cited continued below-average precipitation, declining streamflow and falling groundwater levels. State drought guidance also says local water suppliers may impose restrictions based on conditions affecting their systems.

Lancaster’s notice identifies September 30, 2026, as the scheduled end date, but it does not guarantee that the restrictions will end then. The town says the ban remains in effect until drought conditions improve and further notice is issued. Residents should check for a later town update before assuming the restrictions have expired.

Public water and private wells are different

The Lancaster notice specifically addresses nonessential outdoor use from public water sources. Residents who rely on private wells should not assume the town’s public-water schedule applies in exactly the same way. Massachusetts advises private-well owners to conserve water and follow applicable local and state restrictions because drought can reduce groundwater levels and well yields.

For Lancaster residents, the practical steps are straightforward: check whether the property address is odd or even, avoid watering from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., do not water on Sundays, and review the town’s latest notice before planning outdoor use.

Sources

• Town of Lancaster Water Ban Notice
• Massachusetts Guidance for Private Well Owners During a Drought