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Haverhill limits most outdoor water use under drought emergency; limited exceptions outlined
Summary
Public Works Director Robert Ward updated the council on low reservoir levels and presented a drought response plan that bans routine lawn irrigation and other nonessential outdoor water uses while allowing limited, timed watering for edible gardens, newly planted trees and certain business/agricultural uses.
City Public Works Director Robert Ward told the Haverhill City Council that reservoir levels remain below long-term averages and outlined tiered outdoor water restrictions after the city declared a drought emergency March 19.
Ward said monitoring shows the reservoir remains well below its 35‑year average and that the city must restrict most outdoor uses to preserve drinking supply. "Currently we're at 106.4 feet," Ward said when describing the most recent lake-level reading.
Why it matters: The restrictions affect residential and commercial outdoor watering practices across Haverhill and could include enforcement measures. Ward and…
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