Two North Shore communities restrict outdoor water use amid critical drought conditions

GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Two communities on the North Shore are enacting water restrictions as drought conditions reach a critical level.

In late July, Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card declared a Level 3 drought in northeastern and central Massachusetts.

City leaders in Gloucester said these conditions, coupled with a July 29 water main break and Monday’s brush fire on Poles Hill, have exacerbated the community’s challenges with its water supply.

The city is responding by enacting the following restrictions through the end of August:

• Outdoor watering is limited to handheld watering with a hose or a watering can after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m.
• Lawn irrigation systems and sprinklers are prohibited.
• Filling swimming pools is prohibited.
• Washing of vehicles, boats, buildings, driveways, and sidewalks is prohibited
• Residents on private wells are also encouraged to practice water conservation measures

“We ask residents and businesses to cooperate with these restrictions. By working together as a community we can minimize the chance of further disruptions and restrictions this summer,” Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga said in a statement.

Neighboring Manchester-by-the-Sea has also implemented an outdoor water ban after the Select Board declared a state of water conservation on Monday. Hand watering is only allowed between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., and the following actions are banned:

• lawn irrigation systems
• sprinklers
• car washing
• boat washing

Violators could be fined up to $200 per day.

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