Extreme drought leads to water use ban in Danvers

DANVERS, MA – Outdoor water use is prohibited throughout Danvers starting Monday due to an extreme drought warning for the Ipswich River basin.

City officials said the water restriction was raised to a rare Level 6 emergency due to low flows in the Ipswich River following insufficient rainfall in recent months.

Level 6 drought conditions do not permit outdoor water use at any time.

“In recent months, rainfall in the region has been at an unprecedented low,” officials said. “The northeast region, including Danvers, has experienced a rainfall deficit of 8 to 11 inches since August, resulting in critically low river flows, declining groundwater levels and drained ponds. This extreme drought is not only impacting our ecosystems, but it is also putting enormous pressure on water supplies needed for vital services like firefighting and public health.

“We urge all residents to aggressively conserve water and adhere to restrictions to ensure our community can weather these challenging conditions.”

While outdoor water use is generally restricted this time of year, residents are reminded that the use of sprinklers, irrigation systems, or hand watering with hoses or canisters is not permitted. Filling swimming pools and washing cars is also not permitted.

Violations of Stage 6 drought conditions will result in a warning for the first violation; Subsequent violations may result in a $300 fine.

(Scott Souza is Patch Field Editor, covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)