The Select Board has set the FY2026 water rates.   The FY2026 rate schedule is available online.  The rates are based on the budget approved at Town Meeting in May 2025 and the water use forecast for FY2026.

The Topsfield Water Department has implemented a Mandatory Outdoor Water Use Restriction effective July 7, 2025 due to very low Ipswich River stream flow, higher than normal water use and concerns about the availabilty of water.

Outdoor water use is restricted to water cans, hand-held hoses controlled by a nozzle, or drip irrigation systems only before 9 AM and after 5 PM.  The use of spray irrigation systems at any time is prohibited.  The restrictions apply to public water customers and private water sources located on parcels served by the Town's water system.

In addition to curtailing outdoor use the Water Department encourages the following conservation measures:

• Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when full.
• Fix any leaks around the house.
• Install water efficient toilets, faucets and shower heads.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator, rather than running the faucet.
• Consider replacing water intensive lawns with a xeriscape (low water demand) flower garden.

The mandatory restrictions will be in effect until further notice but typically run through the end of September. 

We are in the process of surveying all non-residential properties for cross connections. Cross connections pose a risk to public health if contaminants are siphoned in to the water system during a low pressure event or pumped into the water system.

The surveys are done periodically and are required by MassDEP.  The purpose of the survey is to identify all non-potable connections to the water system, determine the degree of hazard of each connection and make sure it is either eliminated or protected by an appropriate back-flow device.  There is no charge for the survey.

A certified Cross Connection Surveyor from Water Safety Services of Woburn will be conducting all of the surveys. Please call the Water Department at (978) 887-1517 if you have any questions.

Our water quality report for 2024 is now available online.  Customers should receive a copy by mail in the next couple of weeks.  Click here to view the electronic version.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the final PFAS regulations on April 10, 2024.  The regulations were initally issued in draft form during 2023.

EPA Regulations

The new EPA regulations set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) at 4 parts per trillion (ppt); PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid), PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid), and GenX (hexafluoroproplene oxide) at 10 ppt; and a hazard index for mixtures of PFNA, PFHxS, GenX and PFBS.

The new regulations are being phased into effect.  Systems are required to start testing for these compounds within 3 years, report the results in the annual Water Quality Report, and notify customers of any violations.  Systems have 5 years to comply with the new MCLs by either installing appropriate treatment or finding alternative PFAS-free water supplies.

The regulations also created Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for PFOS and PFOA of 0 ppt.  This means that EPA would like to eliminate PFOS and PFOA from water supplies accross the country but current testing protocols, treatment methods, and economic conditions make it infeasible.  We expect the MCLs to drop as testing and treatment methods improve.

Our offices are staffed during normal business hours.  If you need to contact us after hours for downed tree blocking a road, low water pressure, or to report a water main break call 911.  The Town is part of the Essex County Regional Communications Center and using 911 is the only way to contact us after hours.

Subscribe to our email list to receive water quality notices, daily hydrant flushing updates and water restriction information.

We conduct hundreds of water quality tests each year. Results are now available on our Water Quality Site which includes information about which water sources are in use. The site has been under development for several years and more functionality will be added as time permits.