Barnstable reinstates outdoor water restrictions as Cape Cod drought worsens

BARNSTABLE — June 25, 2026 — Barnstable reinstates outdoor water restrictions and pauses major sewer work ahead of summer. Principal Town Manager Mark Ells and DPW Communications Manager Kelly Colopy briefed the Town Council during the June 25 Town Manager's update on a Level 2 significant drought declaration that has triggered non-essential outdoor water restrictions for the Hyannis Water System — banning automatic lawn irrigation, pool filling, and most vehicle washing effective immediately. Colopy stressed the restrictions are a permit obligation under the state's Water Management Act, not discretionary local policy. Sewer construction on the Centerville Village North Phase has paused through the summer, with contractor CC Construction demobilizing by June 26 and set to return after Labor Day; work continues in Osterville on Bumps River Road through July 2, then shifts to Marion Way and Old Ham Road. Two additional sewer expansion contracts — Finney's Lane and Centerville South — are expected to break ground in the fall, with no work on Main Street Centerville before January 4, 2027. The Recreation Division has issued more than 20,000 residential parking permits ahead of the town's beach season opening Saturday, June 27, where lifeguard shortages will leave most sites unguarded beyond three beaches.