Dover Declares Level 2 Drought, Restricts Outdoor Watering Immediately
Dover residents are navigating a pair of pressing quality-of-life issues this week: ongoing outdoor water restrictions tied to a declared drought and unresolved water quality challenges affecting Aquarion customers — even as the town's Housing Task Force pushes forward on long-term planning.
TOWN HALL
A Level 2 Significant Drought has been declared for Dover, limiting nonessential outdoor water use to hand-held hoses or watering cans, and only during the hours before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Sprinkler systems and other automated irrigation are not permitted under the restriction.
On the water quality front, Aquarion Water Company recently appeared before the Board of Selectmen for a public information session to walk through options for addressing problems including discolored water and the presence of PFAS in the system. Residents on Aquarion service can find more details on the town's website.
The Department of Public Works has also flagged upcoming paving projects set to begin in July. Specific streets have not yet been listed in the public announcement, but residents can check the town's News Flash page for updates as project details are confirmed.
Dover's Housing Task Force continues its community engagement work, directing residents to a dedicated housing roadmap page at https://bpg.mysocialpinpoint.com/dover-housing-roadmap where they can track the town's long-term housing planning process.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Federal Gas Tax Suspension Considered: Here's How Much MA Drivers Would Save" — A statewide story with local relevance: rising gas prices tied to disruptions in oil markets have renewed talk in Washington about suspending the federal gas tax, which would offer some relief to Massachusetts drivers. Per Dover-Sherborn Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/dover).
"🌱 Patch AM: July 4 Natick Community Picnic and 11 more events" — Dover-Sherborn Patch's morning roundup highlights area events through the holiday week, including several items on the Dover calendar. Per Dover-Sherborn Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/dover).
COMING UP
- **June 27:** Charles River Rotary Scoopapalooza 2026 Ice Cream Fundraiser — on the Dover Patch events calendar. - **June 29:** Planning Board meeting — check the town calendar at doverma.gov for agenda and location details. - **June 30:** Sustainability Committee meeting — details on the town's calendar. - **July (start of month):** DPW paving projects scheduled to begin; watch for street-specific notices from the town.