Hamilton Joins Wenham in Mandatory Water Ban

Hamilton has joined Wenham in enacting a mandatory outside water ban because of low flows in the Ipswich River.

The mandatory water restrictions are required by the state Department of Environmental Protective because the flow of the Ipswich River has dropped below 52.5 cubic feet per second.

“The water restrictions require that residents limit non-essential water use to protect stream flow for aquatic life and to ensure a sustainable drinking water supply,” town officials said in a written statement announcing the water ban.

Non-essential water use 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.

On Tuesday, because of low flows in the Ipswich River. The water ban bars mechanical watering at all times in both towns, including private wells.

Hand-held water is allowed in Wenham between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Hand-held watering is allowed in Hamilton between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Current Ipswich River conditions are available on the Ipswich River Watershed Association website.

Correction: This story has been corrected to show that the hours that hand-held watering is allowed in Hamilton is 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.