WAYLAND, MA — Wayland will begin restricting water use across the town next week due to "operational limitations" at a local water treatment plant.

Beginning May 23, sprinkler systems — including below-ground systems and sprinklers operated by a hose — will be restricted to one 16-hour period per week: 5 p.m. on Wednesdays until 9 a.m. on Thursdays.

"Although the immediate cause of this action is due to the operational limitations of the Baldwin Pond Treatment Plant, this conservation of water use is consistent with what has been implemented in past years but is now necessary to assure that, during the upcoming seasonal high-demand period, adequate water is available to maintain proper storage in the Reeve's Hill tank and to provide for essential service needs," the town said in a recent bulletin.

Wayland will still allow residents to water plants and lawns using a handheld hose at any time. However, the town said it may need to increase the water restriction later in the summer based on use.

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