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 Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has five drought classifications and critical drought, the one we are currently in, is the second to worst. The Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force met today to review available streamflow, precipitation and ground water data collected through the end of February. Analysis of the data indicates our region should remain in a critical drought.
Despite the precipitation over the winter, conditions have not significantly worsened or improved. Our own data sources support this conclusion. The groundwater level at our primary well is not as low as last fall, has steadily improved over the winter but is still at the lowest level recorded in 20 years for this time of year.
Residents and customers should plan on the current Total Outdoor Water Restriction to remain in place for the foreseeable future. The restriction applies to the use of the Town's water supply as well as private wells and prohibits any nonessential outdoor water use including use of irrigation systems, filling of pools, washing of cars, even hand-held watering of flowers and gardens is prohibited until drought conditions improve.
Essential outdoor water uses required for public safety, by permit or regulation or to meet a core business function are allowed. However, any essential outdoor use should be done as conservatively as possible to reduce water consumption.
Our spring round of hydrant flushing has been postponed until further notice. It will be delayed until the end of the drought or until it is needed to improve water quality in the distribution system.
Please contact the Water Department or visit mass.gov/info-details/drought-status for more information.
April 8th Update: The Drought Management Task Force met today and voted to recommend the northeast region of state switch from a critical drought (level 3) to a significant drought (level 2). The group reviewed data through the end of March and conditions improved enough to warrant the change. Their recommendation will likely be enacted by the Secretary of EOEEA later this month. This change will allow the Select Board to relax outdoor water restrictions from a total ban applying to all water users to our more typical mandatory restrictions that apply to water customers and limit use to low intensity implements.
The Topsfield Water Department has implemented a Mandatory Total Outdoor Use Ban due to a critical drought in northeastern Massachusetts.