Hamilton Follows Suit, Enacts Immediate Outdoor Water Ban

The Hamilton Water Department instituted a mandatory outdoor water ban on Wednesday, effective immediately, following suit to a similar ban put in place on Friday in Wenham.

The ban was prompted because the stream flow of the Ipswich River fell below 53 cubic feet per second for the third consecutive day on Aug. 20, according to a townwide Connect-CTY phone and e-mail message sent Wednesday afternoon by Town Manager Michael Lombardo.

“These flows have fallen to critically low levels and are below the minimum level deemed necessary to sustain a healthy watershed,” according to announcement, read by Lombardo. “Effective immediately, the town of Hamilton hereby declares a mandatory water ban.”

The restriction bans “non-essential water use,” which is defined as uses that do not have health or safety impacts, are not required by regulation and are not needed to meet the core functions of a business or other organization.

All outside mechanical watering is barred while the ban is in place. Outdoor watering by hand will still be allowed between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. The ban extends to homes and businesses with private wells and runs until further notice.

Violators of the ban are subject to a $100 fine on the first infraction. Hamilton officials did not announce the penalty for violatons in Hamilton.