Dover Enforces Drought Watering Limits as July Paving Projects Near

DATELINE: DOVER

Dover remains under a Level 2 Significant Drought declaration, limiting outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans used only between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. — while a major land protection agreement at Hale is drawing questions about what it means for the town's open-space future.

TOWN HALL

The town's drought restrictions remain in effect as of this week. Under the Level 2 Significant Drought declaration, nonessential outdoor water use is prohibited except by hand-held hose or watering can, and only during the overnight window before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Separately, Aquarion Water Company recently appeared before the Board of Selectmen for a public information session focused on water quality problems affecting local customers, including discolored water and the presence of PFAS. The session explored options for addressing those challenges, and residents can find more information on the town's website.

The Department of Public Works is also planning paving projects set to begin in July. Details on which roads are affected are available through the town's News Flash page at doverma.gov.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

Dover Patch's morning newsletter leads today with the question on many residents' minds: "🌱 Patch AM: How will Hale's massive land protection reshape Dover's open space?" The item explores what a significant conservation deal at Hale could mean for the character of Dover's landscape going forward, per Dover-Sherborn Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/dover)

COMING UP

- **June 27:** Charles River Rotary Scoopapalooza 2026 Ice Cream Fundraiser — a community fundraiser on the Dover-Sherborn Patch calendar. - **June 29:** Planning Board meeting. - **June 30:** Sustainability Committee meeting.