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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 councilors discussed notification, rebate programs and enforcement options such as inspectional letters and possible police detail for persistent violations.
Allowed and prohibited uses: The city described a first tier of allowable outdoor uses that residents may perform before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.: watering edible plants and vegetable gardens by watering can or hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle, drip irrigation for edible gardens, filling tree-watering bags, and limited watering of newly planted trees/shrubs/perennials.
Prohibited uses include routine lawn irrigation by sprinkler systems (except for limited public park/playfield allowances to be determined later), washing vehicles outside a commercial car wash, washing sidewalks or driveways, operating decorative fountains or water features that are not essential for aquatic life, use of outdoor misting systems and filling or topping off pools and spas.
Rebates and outreach: The city will offer a $25 rebate as a credit on the water bill for residents who buy a rain barrel through the city’s program; Ward said homeowners who purchase through the city system will not need to take additional steps to receive the rebate. The city plans to notify residents via the upcoming May 1 bill, Everbridge robocalls, sign boards and targeted letters to property owners with automatic sprinkler systems and meter deductions.
Enforcement and timeline: Ward said enforcement options range from inspectional-service notices and fines to dispatching police details for repeat or widespread violations. Several councilors asked whether the restrictions would be eased if rainfall and reservoir levels improve; Ward said the city will monitor lake levels and may relax restrictions as conditions change.
Councilors asked for continued updates. Ward and Mayor Barrett said the city will return with regular status reports on reservoir levels and the effects of conservation measures.
