HFCT Sprinkler Fea.jpg

Brother and sister Julian M. Skowron, left, 2 1/2, and Mia M. Skowron, 5, of Northampton, enjoy the spray from a sprinkler watering flowers in one of the gardens at Childs Park in Northampton. CUTLINE: 5/31/06 - COOL IDEA - Brother and sister Julian M., 21/2, and Mia M. Skowron, 5, of Northampton, enjoy the delicious cool spray from a water sprinkler yesterday in one of the gardens at Childs Park in Northampton.

(Bob Stern)

NORTHAMPTON -- The Department of Public Works announced restrictions for nonessential use of city water Tuesday.

Effective immediately, most outdoor water use is banned from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m until further notice, the DPW said. The ban applies to lawn irrigation - although watering with a handheld hose is allowed - and the washing of vehicles, exteriors of buildings, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks. Water may still be used for agricultural purposes.

The city is obligated to curb municipal water use when the Mill River flows at a rate of less than 26.3 cubic feet per second for three consecutive days, Northampton DPW Director Edward S. Huntley said. The water restriction can be lifted when the stream flow rises above that level for seven days straight.

The ban is a requirement of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, which regulates the city water supply.

Huntley said the restrictions have been put in place each year for the past five summers, and are usually lifted sometime before fall's arrival.

Residents found in breach of the ban could be fined $100 for the first violation and $200 for subsequent offenses, according to the city.