Danvers Limits Outdoor Water Use Because of Drought Conditions

Danvers has moved to Level 5 “Drought Conditions” and is limiting outdoor water usage.

The restrictions are needed because of “low flow in the Ipswich River and the rapid decrease of water levels in the reservoir,” according to the Danvers Department of Public Works.

Outdoor lawn and garden watering is restricting to hand-held hoses and cans only from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.

The Danvers DPW said:

“These water restrictions were instituted when the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) mandated regulations as part of the Water Management Act due to growing concerns of highly stressed river basins. Danvers is one of several communities in the Ipswich River basin, which is a stressed water basin that prompted these new regulations. DEP regulations include a summer cap, which runs from May 1 through Oct. 1, restricting Town use to 3.8 million gallons per day (mgd) on a yearly average. Conserving water now will reduce the need for the Town to implement more stringent restrictions later.”

“We promote conservation all year long,” said the DPW Director David Lane, “Now we are in need of residents to really take charge and drop their water use. If everyone makes an effort to save, then we will be OK.”

The DPW warned that restrictions will be enforced.

“The police will be assisting us as well as our own DPW crews who are around town all day,” said Lane, adding that first-time violators will get a warning letter and subsequent violations will result in a $300 fine.

The Danvers DPW is asking for the public’s help.

“Please do your part: turn off your sprinklers, monitor water play by children, run only full loads of laundry or dishes, shut the water off when you brush your teeth and shave, etc. These are just a few tips; I am sure you can think of other ways to help save water. The Town thanks all of you for helping,” said Lane.