Needham Heights Level 2 water restriction: handheld watering starts June 11

Needham Heights is subject to the Town of Needham’s Level 2 non-essential outdoor water use restriction, effective June 11, 2026, and it remains in effect until rescinded.

At Level 2, the Town says residents should limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans—available 7 days a week before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.—to minimize evaporative loss.

What to do this week: a simple Lawn/Outdoors checklist

• If you use irrigation timers: the Town’s FAQ advises residents to understand their system and turn it off / reprogram it to conform to the restriction.
• For any watering you still need: switch to hand-held watering (a hand-held hose or watering can) and keep it within the before 9 a.m. / after 5 p.m. windows.
• Drip or soaker hoses: the Town’s June 2026 FAQs say you may use drip irrigation or soaker hoses under Water Restriction Levels 1 and 2 (but not Levels 3 and 4).

What is restricted (and what’s not)

• Non-essential outdoor watering: Level 2 limits non-essential outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans only during the allowed time windows.
• Car washing at home: the FAQ says no—outdoor cleaning using water is not permitted under these restrictions.

Exemptions: what the Town lists—and what to remember

The Town states that exemptions may be granted only for specific reasons, including:

• Irrigation of public parks and recreation fields outside 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Irrigation to establish replanted or resodded lawn or plantings only during May and September
• Irrigation of newly planted lawns (seeded or sodded) in the current calendar year for homes or businesses newly constructed in the previous twelve (12) months
• Filling of privately owned outdoor pools
• Irrigation of lawns/gardens/flowers/ornamental plants using a hand-held hose with a nozzle or a drip-irrigation system
• Irrigation using harvested and stored stormwater runoff

Important: the FAQ also says these exemptions are only allowed under Level 1, and that Level 2 Drought Restrictions prohibit the use of outdoor irrigation.

If you think you qualify, the Town says you should apply through its Water Restrictions materials; applicants receive a response from the Town within three (3) business days.

Enforcement and how to ask questions

• Who enforces: the Town’s Water, Sewer and Drains Division.
• Fines: the FAQ says the Town will not be issuing any fines for violations at this time (focus is education and compliance).
• Report or ask about a situation: the FAQ directs residents to report via phone (781-455-7550 ext. 0), email (dpwadmin@needhamma.gov), or SeeClickFix.

Because drought levels can change, double-check the Town’s Water Restrictions page and the FAQ if you’re planning weekend or evening yard work.

Sources

• Town of Needham News Flash: Level 2 outdoor water use restriction effective June 11, 2026