Stricter Water Restrictions May Come Earlier This Year

An increased restriction on water use could come sooner than usual this summer, Wenham Water Department Superintendent Erik Mansfield warned this week.

"Based on the current water levels in the Ipswich River and the long term forecast, we may be forced to implement the stricter water ban much earlier this year than in years past," Mansfield said.

On Wednesday, the annual restriction on daytime lawn sprinkler use was put into place. The restriction is in line with with the town's Water Use Restriction By-law and is required by the town's withdrawal permit issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Sprinklers use is prohibited between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. but hand watering is allowed.

The mandatory restriction runs until Sept. 30 and also includes private wells. A violation comes with up to a $100 fine for each offense.

"We would like to thank all residents for their understanding and cooperation," Mansfield said.