By Stephen Peterson, originally posted on October 10, 2016

PLAINVILLE — The drought is hitting home in town, with discolored water showing up in parts of Plainville that officials are attributing to low water levels.

“These worsening conditions have contributed to discolored water in some homes located in the southeast sections of Plainville,” water officials said.

The water department has been attempting to address these issues by aggressively flushing hydrants and taking other steps.

“However, part of diagnosing and addressing these issues involves knowing exactly when and where discolored water has appeared anywhere in the municipal water system,” officials said.

Residents who experience any discoloration of water are asked to contact the water department immediately at 508-695-6871 so the issue can be appropriately logged and addressed.

Due to the recent drought watch issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection, selectmen have voted to initiate Phase II water restrictions. Residents and businesses who use the municipal water system are reminded the water restrictions call for outside watering only one day per week on the day municipal trash is collected on an individual’s street.

Phase II water restrictions also prohibit outside watering between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Although recent rain is helping, authorities say many days of steady rain are needed to bring the region out of the drought. The Attleboro area is about 10 inches short of its average rainfall for the first nine months of the year.

Other questions or concerns regarding water in Plainville should be directed to the Water Department at 508-695-6871.

The phone and email systems at the water and sewer department had been down the past week due to a computer problem, but have been restored.