Spring is almost here and residents are planning for spring plantings and landscaping projects. Please be aware that northeastern Massachusetts is still in a critical drought that began last fall.

Unlike prior years when water restrictions typically began in late June or early July, drought based restrictions are required throughout the year depending on drought status as declared by the Secretary for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. This year's planting season will start off with severe water restrictions, the most strict we've ever implemented so please plan accordingly.

The Water Department is in the process of designing water main and service line replacements for Lockwood Lane, Millbrook Lane (partial), Silverbrook Lane, Forrest Road, Brook Road (partial), Ross Road, Williams Road, and River Road (west of Washington Street).  Design work started a couple of months ago and is progressing on schedule.

A Conservation Commission hearing is scheduled for 1/8/2025 for the project.  If all goes well residents will be voting on the project at Town Meeting in May.

The Topsfield Water Department has implemented a Mandatory Total Outdoor Use Ban due to a critical drought in northeastern Massachusetts.

All non-essential outdoor water use is prohibited until further notice.  Essential uses include those uses required to meet a core business function, required by permit or regulation or required for public safety and/or public health.  All other uses are prohibited.  Washing cars, filling skating rinks, etc. are non-essential uses.  Hand-held waterting of lawns, flowers and gardens is probited.

The restriction applies to all water users in Topsfield, including private well owners.

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.

 Please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status for information about the drought.

March 6, 2025 Update: Our region remains in a critical drought and it appears we will remain in this level for the forseeable future. 

The Select Board has set the FY2025 water rates.   The FY2025 rate schedule is available online.  The rates are based on the budget approved at Town Meeting in May 2024 and the water use forecast for FY2025.

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.