Town of Franklin water restrictions due to drought lifted by State

Attention Franklin Water Customers!

This message confirms that there are currently no water use restrictions in Franklin.

On November 14, 2025, the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary removed all Drought declarations for Franklin and the Southeastern Region.

removed all Drought declarations for
Franklin and the Southeastern Region

Please note that standard MassDEP-required water conservation restrictions will be reinstated on June 1, 2026, unless a drought or other water related emergencies are declared sooner.

We appreciate your cooperation in protecting our community's water resources during the recent drought. Since Franklin's water is sourced from 100%  groundwater in Town, every drop is important.

For year-round water-saving tips, please refer to these resources:

- Indoor Water Savings Tips: https://www.mass.gov/doc/download-water-savings-tips-indoor-graphic/download

- Outdoor Water Savings Tips: https://www.mass.gov/doc/download-water-savings-tips-outdoor-graphic/download

– Town of Franklin Department of Public 

#drought2025 #keepfranklinflowing #franklinma

Image shared from -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status

You can listen to my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent, and learn about the updates to Franklin’s sewer and water projects. Among the topics covered are the drought status and overall water supply capacity for the Town of Franklin. ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.html

Doug & Jake provide updates on the sewer & water projects underway (audio)

FM #1557 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1557 in the series

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Our conversation covered updates on Water & Sewer projects previously discussed in each their own three-part series. 

The show notes include links to the Franklin water & sewer division page 

Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn about the updates to Franklin’s sewer and water projects. 

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1557-dpw-water-sewer-project-updates-10-21-25/

---------------------

monitor your water usage

Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

The main page contains links to the both of the 3-part series on water and sewer.

Beaver Street interceptor project -> https://www.franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Charles River Pollution Control (sewerage processor) https://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control   and https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/ 

Leak or Blockage diagram of lines of responsibility between Town and property owners for water and sewer service  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/have-leak-or-blockage

Water service line inventory page (looking for lead pipes and connections) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/637/Water-Service-Line-Inventory 

Water Smart program ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/1221/WaterSmart

Consumer Confidence Reports (on water quality)  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

The Energy and Environmental Affairs Drinking Water Data Portal.

https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/portal#!/search/drinking-water/results?PWSId=2101000

We did forget to cover the wholesale water program. It was suspended once the drought alerts from the State were issued. When not in drought, it does generate some additional revenue (more per gallon than residents pay)  https://www.franklinma.gov/1109/Wholesale-Water 

-----------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Water ban in effect, warnings being made to violators

Hopefully you all know there has been a limited "water ban" in effect since last Thursday (Sep 18, 2025).  

Water ban in effect, warnings being made to violators

This ban is a preventive measure due to the facts of the on going drought in our area and the scheduled shut down of some of our largest wells for planned maintenance (have been planned for over a year).  The major component of the ban is not allowing the use of automatic irrigation systems to water lawns.  Hand held water use is still allowed.

To help get the word out, we have been out patrolling the last couple of nights and have issued over 190 "warning letters" to residents.  We are sure some folks do not now about this ban, so these warning should be considered informative in nature. 

 

Please help spread the word  

More information on this water ban can be found on the Town's website -> https://www.franklinma.gov/628/Water-Conservation

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1B7M6sktgy/

Boston Globe: "Drought conditions worsen across New England, especially up north."

"Another week has passed with little to no rainfall across New England, expanding “extreme” drought to nearly a quarter of New Hampshire as the dry weather worsens conditions in Maine and Vermont. Nearly all of New England is either in some stage of drought or abnormally dry, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, increasing the risk for groundwater shortages and wildfires across the region — very reminiscent of last fall.

Boston Globe: "Drought conditions worsen
across New England, especially up north."

Despite one night of rainfall this week that totaled over an inch or two in parts of Southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape, New England will need more than just one significant rainstorm to pull us out of a nearly yearlong water deficit in those regions.

“We’re approaching the peak of last year’s rainfall deficit and groundwater storage levels,” said David Boutt, professor of hydrogeology at UMass Amherst. “Plus, this is the time of year when we’re naturally in a negative water balance from the combination of growing season and little to no precipitation.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/19/metro/new-england-drought-rain/

Have you seen the Town of Franklin annual water quality report ???

The annual report should have arrived via regular postal mail. If you missed it, you can find a PDF copy for this year and prior years on the Town of Franklin Water & Sewer Division page

Current year -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5463/2024-Consumer-Confidence-Report

Prior year archive of reports ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=45

The image below (from the report) depicts the water process from the well to the tap

Have you seen the Town of Franklin annual water quality report ???

For additional insights and explanations, you can listen to the 3-part podcast series with Water Superintendent Doug Martin and Asst Superintendent Jake Standly as we covered the process from the well to the tap.  For ease of finding the series, it is also posted on the Water & Sewer home page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/556/Water-Sewer-Division

PS - we also did a 3-part series on the sewer system from the flush to water treatment also found on the same page.

Town of Franklin: Mandatory Water Conservation Measures Effective Monday June 2, 2025

Town Of Franklin

Mandatory Water Conservation Measures

Effective Monday June 2, 2025

Lawn Watering Is Restricted To

One Day Per Week On Trash Day

• No automatic lawn watering between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• No holiday delays for watering.
• No lawn watering is permitted on other days of the week.
• Hand watering is permitted anytime.

In accordance with the Town’s Water Management Act Permit issued by the State, the first Monday in June means that summer Water Conservation Measures are now in effect. Conservation measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. 

This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption. During the summer months, the Town experiences excessively high demands for water due to lawn watering. There have been 24-hour periods during which water consumption has been more than twice our average daily water usage for the year. Because of the tremendous increase in the demand for water and State restrictions on the amount of water that can be pumped daily, the Town of Franklin must place mandatory water conservation measures in effect for lawn watering during the summer months. 

A total of 1-inch of water once per week from rain and watering promotes the healthiest lawns.

Conservation measures will stay in effect until the second Monday in September (September 9, 2025) unless a drought condition is present.

Non-compliance with these regulations could adversely affect public health and safety. Violators are subject to fines up to $200.

For additional information, visit the DPW website at https://www.franklinma.gov/628/Water-Conservation. Any questions should be directed to the Department of Public Works at 508-520-4910.

Drought Update: MA remains at "Level 3-Critical Drought"

Drought Update: MA at "Level 3-Critical Drought"

Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) (@MassEcoRestore) posted  Fri, Dec 06, 2024:

Drought Update: Despite the recent rain and snow, most of Massachusetts remains in a Level 3-Critical Drought. The Cape and Islands Region have been raised to a Level 1 - Mild Drought.

Find water conservation tips here - https://t.co/cNHXAEdPFQ

 

Shared from -> https://t.co/Y1a9t0BqiY

Water conservation is more important than ever

Rebecca Tepper (@EEASecretary) posted on Tue, Nov 19, 2024:

Climate change is reshaping our region's weather patterns, resulting in warmer & drier fall and winter seasons. 

Water conservation is more important than ever. 

We urge municipalities, residents, and businesses to help us reduce stress on our water systems. https://t.co/gi7QUbr0ZS  or https://www.mass.gov/conservemawater

Shared from ->  https://x.com/EEASecretary/status/1858930953323778388

Water conservation is more important than ever

WaterSmart actually got smarter, will get better as data is collected

via the Water Department of the DPW: 

WaterSmart Update:

We have updated our water meter reading collection system and for about 50% of the Town we are now collecting hourly water readings. 

WaterSmart was updated last week with this hourly information causing high use water notifications to be sent out.  

The notifications are based on a comparison to prior usage and since there was no prior hourly usage before last week the system saw a big jump causing the notifications to be sent out.  As the data continues to be populated in WaterSmart you will be able to set your WaterSmart notifications based on this new data.  

Please track your usage over the next 2 weeks using WaterSmart and if you still have concerns after the 2 weeks please call the DPW Admin office (508-553-5500) to schedule a meter appointment. 

We encourage everyone to sign into WaterSmart, check your account, and update your notification settings. 

Go to WaterSmart to sign up or access your account ->

https://franklinma.watersmart.com/index.php/welcome?

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YY5VAy76Nd3bUFQ/

example report from our residence since we moved in

Franklin's Water Conservation Measures have ended for this 2024 calendar year

"Franklin Residents ~ In accordance with the Town’s Water Management Act Permit Water Conservation Restrictions have ENDED.

Residents are always encouraged to protect the future of our national and local water supply through water-efficient practices within your home and daily habits.

Please see our website for more information:

https://www.franklinma.gov/water.../pages/water-conservation

Thank you for your cooperation!"

Note: The operative word is "conservation."  These measures occur every year due to the state permit we have. A couple of times we have gone into the "water ban" status; once due to the fire at the well and another time due to drought conditions.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/TGV5VKeMr7KS1B5E/

You can also hear about the water system from well to faucet in a 3-part podcast series  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-water-system.html

Franklin's Water Conservation Measures have ended for this 2024 calendar year

DPW shares Think Blue Massachusetts' advice: "Do your doody"

DPW shares Think Blue Massachusetts' advice: "Do your doody"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZBSsNpYScxrX8Nf/

Franklin Residents ~ In accordance with the Town’s Water Management Act Permit Water Conservation Measures Go In To Effect, Monday, June 3, 2024.

Franklin Residents ~ In accordance with the Town's Water Management Act Permit Water Conservation Measures Go In To Effect, Monday, June 3, 2024.

One day per week outdoor watering. Outdoor watering using sprinklers or automated irrigation systems is restricted to the water user's trash day. If the user does not have Town trash service, the user should water on the same day as the nearest Town trash customer. 

Outdoor watering is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

No Holiday Delays for watering.

No lawn watering is permitted on other days of the week.

Hand watering is permitted anytime.

Please see our website for more information: https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/water-conservation 

Thank you for your cooperation!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-residents-accordance-town%E2%80%99s-water-management-act-permit-water-conservation

 

Water Conservation Measures Go In To Effect, Monday, June 3, 2024

The three-part audio series can be found here ->

• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-588-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-589-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-590-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html

 

Have you read the Town of Franklin water quality report?

Each year, the Water & Sewer Division produces the Consumer Confidence Report. This provides an overview of the water system and the testing performed regularly to ensure the quality of Franklin's drinking water.

post card announcing the water quality report

The Consumer Confidence Reports for this year and prior years can be found on the Town's webpage.

• The current report ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklinccr2022_updated.pdf
• The archive for all reports -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

The three part audio series on the Water system can be found here ->

• Part 1 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-588-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html
• Part 2 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-588-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html
• Part 3 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-590-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html

DPW Notice - Water Conservation Measures Now in Effect

DPW Notice - Water Conservation Measures Now in Effect

In accordance with the Town's Water Management Act Permit issued by the State, the following Water Conservation Measures are in effect as of Monday, June 5, 2023.

• LAWN WATERING IS RESTRICTED TO ONE DAY PER WEEK ON TRASH DAY
• No automatic lawn watering between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• There is no Holiday delay for watering.
• Hand watering is permitted anytime.

Conservation measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption. During the summer months, the Town experiences excessively high demands for water due to lawn watering. There have been 24- hour periods during which water consumption has been more than twice our average daily water usage for the year. Because of the tremendous increase in the demand for water and State restrictions on the amount of water that can be pumped daily, the Town of Franklin must place mandatory water conservation measures in effect for lawn watering during the summer months. A total of 1-inch of water once per week from rain and watering promotes the healthiest lawns.

Conservation measures will stay in effect until the second Monday in September (September 11, 2023) unless a drought condition is present.
Non-compliance with these regulations could adversely affect public health and safety. Violators are subject to fines up to $200.

For additional information, visit the DPW website at www.franklinma.gov/public-works. Any questions should be directed to the Department of Public Works at 508-520-4910.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dpw-notice-water-conservation-measures-now-effect

DPW Notice - Water Conservation Measures Now in Effect

DRINKING WATER NOTICE - November 23, 2022

Attention Water Customers - Please see the public notice below: 

This is NOT a boil water notice.  During routine sampling, the sample from our Well 2 Raw (UNTREATED) water contained E.coli.  The treated (disinfected) water from Well 2 and all other samples collected through the distribution system did not have E. Coli.  The well has been offline since November 18, 2022 for maintenance and will remain offline. 

This is not an emergency, you do NOT need to boil your water or take other corrective actions at this time, but we are required to notify you. Please see the notice below for more information. 

----------------------

DRINKING WATER NOTICE To all users of the Franklin Water Department  Located in Franklin, Massachusetts.  This is an important notice – please translate it for anyone who does not understand English.  

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants to ensure the safety of the water supply. On November 21, 2022 our water system was notified that a water sample collected on November 15, 2022 from Well #2 tested positive for E.coli, which is a fecal indicator. Fecal indicators are used to detect ground water sources that may be susceptible to fecal contamination which may contain harmful viruses or bacteria. This well was taken off-line for maintenance on November 18, 2022.

The water delivered to your taps through the distribution system is disinfected with chlorine to kill viruses and bacteria, including E.coli. It is important to note that samples collected on November 15, 2022 in the distribution system did NOT detect any fecal contaminants.

This source is one of thirteen active wells that supplies drinking water to our system. In accordance with the federal Ground Water Rule (GWR) requirements, we are notifying you of the situation and conducting additional sampling to evaluate the extent of potential fecal contamination and will take further actions as necessary.

What should you do? What does this mean?

This is NOT an emergency, you do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions at this time.

• The USEPA requires us to provide you with this notice and the following information on fecal indicators: "Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems." These symptoms can also be caused by issues unrelated to drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, or, if you have specific health concerns, you may want to discuss such concerns with your doctor. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/safe-drinking-water-hotline
• Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and Businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

What is being done?

The well will remain offline for further evaluation. Our system is undergoing repeat testing and evaluation to determine if the current level of treatment is adequate or if additional corrective actions are necessary to reduce the risk of potential fecal contamination in our drinking water supply. We are in contact with MassDEP during this process who will evaluate the effectiveness of the steps taken and determine if any further action is required. If necessary, you will be notified again if you need to take any corrective actions. This notice does not affect persons using private drinking water wells.

where all the wells are located in Franklin

For more information and further updates, please contact Douglas Martin, Water & Sewer Superintendent, at 508-520-4910.

PWSID#:2101000 Date Distributed: November 23, 2022

Read more

Where is Well 2?  The map as part of the Consumer Confidence Report for Fiscal Year 2021 shows where all the wells are located. ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/franklin_ma_ccr_2022_web_final_052722_0.pdf

Listen to the 3-part podcast series on the water cycle, hear how it is processed from the well to your faucet.   -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-doug-martin-jake-standley

Reminder: Order your rain barrel now, pick it up Sept 14

Reduce your water bill by utilizing a rain barrel to collect rainwater. When it rains you SAVE!

The Fall Residential Rain Barrel Program is currently open to residents - residents can order directly from The Great American Rain Barrel Company. 

The deadline to order is September 5 and pick up will be at the DPW on September 14 from 4-6 PM.

Order your rain barrel today!

Learn more about rain barrels here => https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division/pages/rain-barrels

Note: while it has not yet determined how much of a credit, a rain barrel is an example of a credit against the future storm water fee. The storm water fee is expected to be implemented for July 2023.

Order your Rain Barrel before September 5, pick it up September 14

Attention Franklin: Phase IV of Water Ban Begins August 6, 2022 at 12 AM (audio)

Phase IV of Water Ban Begins 

August 6, 2022 at 12 AM

The Town of Franklin has entered Level 3 Critical Drought status which has triggered the phase IV water ban which will go into effect August 6th, 2022 at 12AM. 

Water Conservation Measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption.

The following is allowed under phase IV of the water ban...

- Watering gardens and ornamental plants by means of a hand held hose.

The following is NOT allowed under phase IV of the water ban...

- Irrigation of lawns and landscaping via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems.

- Washing of vehicles except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety.

- Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks.

Reminder: If you have a private well for irrigation, you must a sign posted that is visible from the street in accordance with Town bylaws 179-23

 

Learn more about Franklin's Water Conservation measures here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/water-conservation?fbclid=IwAR1KokmHXP1NdxuQKcdBFvvd3GR6hWBAi_NrbH2WEjssiDhMDwl6m7_oMdA

Learn more about Massachusetts drought management here:   https://www.mass.gov/guides/drought-management-in-massachusetts

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/phase-iv-water-ban-begins-august-6th-2022-12am

 You can listen to the robocall message left by DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/dpw-director-robert-brutus-cantoreggi-announces-the-phase-iv-water-ban-08-06-22

Attention Franklin: Phase IV of Water Ban Begins August 6, 2022 at 12 AM