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Rye officials hear drought warning as Unitil begins five-year Aquarion transition
Summary
Aquarion Water told the Rye Select Board the Seacoast is under drought conditions and lawn-watering restrictions remain in force; Unitil said its acquisition of Aquarion will proceed as "a five year transition."
The Rye Select Board was briefed July 13 on local water supply strains and a corporate transition that could affect service. Aquarion Water Operations Manager Carl McMorran told the board the Seacoast remains in drought and that the utility has a lawn-watering schedule based on even/odd house numbers, no watering between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and escalating enforcement that can include door hangers or shutoff notices for repeated noncompliance.
Dave Bealieu, Municipal and Community Services Executive with Unitil, outlined the takeover timeline for Aquarion customers: "the acquisition of Aquarion Water by Unitil, which will be a five year transition." The board heard that Aquarion serves Rye Beach and Jenness Beach precincts and that limits on irrigation may be tightened if well production cannot meet peak seasonal demand. The update noted planned enforcement through drive-by observation and written reminders.
Board members and residents asked procedural questions about enforcement and customer notification; Town staff did not propose changes to local ordinances at the meeting. The briefing will inform ongoing town communications should restrictions escalate.
