Drought Notice – November 7, 2024

SALEM AND BEVERLY WATER SUPPLY BOARD

PUBLIC NOTICE 

The Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board obtains some of the water it supplies to its users in the Cities of Salem and Beverly and parts of the Town of Wenham, by pumping water from the Ipswich River during times of seasonal high flow during the period from December through May. It then stores this water in its reservoirs for use throughout the rest of the year.  No water is pumped from the Ipswich River during the period June through November. Although at this time of year no water is being pumped from the Ipswich River by the Board, the area is experiencing an extended period of low rainfall and the flow in the river has frequently fallen below 27 cubic feet per second for seven consecutive days as measured at the USGS Gage at Ipswich. When the flow in the river drops to this level, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection requires that the Board, along with other water suppliers in the Ipswich River Basin, request its customers to conserve water. In the interest of protecting our natural resources, the Board encourages all water users to conserve water, especially by limiting outside water use.

• In summer, one of the best places to save water is the yard by reducing lawn irrigation. Lawns can survive dry periods. Here are some tips on how to conserve water and make your lawn more drought resistant:
• Do not cut your lawn short. Short grass has shallow roots that are more susceptible to drought, pests and weeds. Set your lawn mower at 3 – 3 1/2 inches.
• Do not water too often. Frequent, light watering discourages deep rooting.
• Use drought resistant grass such as bluestem, tall fescue or Canada bluegrass. Seed these grasses into lawns during spring/fall maintenance or as needed.
• Use rain barrels or cisterns to provide water for irrigation.