Stage 2 drought restrictions have left at least one Belchertown school field in poor shape as officials weigh how long the watering ban will last.

BELCHERTOWN -- The Belchertown Water District told the Select Board on Monday that the town remains under Stage 2 drought conditions, the classification that mandates no outside watering across the water district.

TOWN -- Water District Superintendent Kevin Williams and Chairman Gary Brown briefed the Select Board on the drought status, which is set using state drought-monitor criteria and stream-flow readings from the Quabog River; officials said this week's gauge reading was 43 cubic feet per second, below the June-season benchmark of 67. Board members said the town's approach has been to "lead by example" on conservation. Officials said a school field is "in really poor shape" as a result of the watering restrictions, a condition established at a July 14 meeting with state legislators and school officials. The school's irrigation system uses 34,000 gallons of water a day when it is permitted to run. The district said it is also working with state regulators on its water withdrawal permit, which affects how much water is available for future use, including for town facilities.

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