Topsfield Mandatory Outdoor Water Use Restriction

[Greg Krom]

Good morning,

 

The Water Department has implemented a Mandatory Outdoor Water Use Restriction due to very low Ipswich River stream flow.  Yesterday, July 4^th, was the third consecutive day where average daily flow at the Ipswich Gauge was below 52.5 cubic feet per second.  Restrictions go into effect on July 12, 2024.

 

The Town’s Water Restriction By-Law was amended at the 2023 Annual Town Meeting so there are some minor changes as compared to previous years.

 

What is restricted…

Non-essential outdoor water use is prohibited during peak hours from 9 AM to 5 PM each day when evaporation rates are highest.  Outdoor water use during off peak hours, 5 PM – 9 AM, is limited to low intensity uses which include watering cans, hand-held hoses controlled by a nozzle or drip irrigation systems that are used to irrigate lawns, gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants.  All other non-essential outdoor water uses are prohibited.

 

Where it applies…

The restriction applies to all public water customers including private water sources located on parcels served by the Town’s water system.  For instance, the restriction applies to water delivered by a connection from the public water system as well as a private well on the same property.

 

There are new exemptions…

The Select Board or their designee can review requests for irrigation of public fields during off peak hours, filling of privately owned swimming pools, or irrigation of newly planted lawns for homes or businesses constructed within the last year.  Conditions may be attached to any approvals.

 

Please contact the Water Department if you have any questions.

 

Thank you,

 

Greg

 

 

 

	Greg Krom, Superintendent Topsfield Water Department 279 Boston Street Topsfield, MA 01983	978.887.1517 gk...@topsfield-ma.gov www.topsfieldpublicworks.org
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