As drought conditions continue through parts of Rhode Island, Westerly has passed an ordinance to limit water use. The ordinance restricts water use for residents on even or odd days according to their address. Town Utilities Superintendent Paul Corina said such an ordinance is very rare.
“We haven’t had a restriction like this since 2002,” said Corina. “Basically our system is in very good shape, we have a lot of sources. It’s just this drought – it’s so bad.”
Corina added local businesses shouldn’t worry about the restrictions.
“There’s an exemption in the ordinance; somebody like a car washer – they’re not being affected, because that’s their business,” said Corina. “A professional power wash person and they come on as a contractor to somebody’s house – you know, stuff like that is not being affected.”
The restrictions are set to expire after 61 days, unless the drought continues. The regional drought stretches across the northeast; spanning New York to parts of Maine.
