Town of Ipswich Announces Mandatory Water Use Restrictions

IPSWICH — Town Manager Tony Marino and Water and Wastewater Director Vicki Halmen announce that mandatory water restrictions have been put in place, effective immediately.

The restrictions are based on the Town’s Drought Management Plan and are meant to combat the strain on water supply caused by the lack of rain, decreased reservoir storage, increased water demand and reduced flow of the Ipswich River.

The following restrictions are in place and will remain in effect until further notice:

• Irrigation of public parks and recreation fields will be allowed from 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by hand-held hose will be allowed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Lawn irrigation can only be done by using a hand-held hose, bucket or water can.
• Washing of vehicles, except to meet a core business function, is prohibited.
• Washing building exteriors, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks is prohibited unless necessary to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.
• The filling or refilling of pools is prohibited.

“We urge everyone to comply with the restrictions to ensure an adequate water supply through the summer,” said Director Halmen. “If these restrictions are not effective and rainfall is insufficient, a water ban prohibiting all outside water use will be imposed.”

Changes to the restrictions will be shared with residents as they are made.

Information will be posted on the Water and Wastewater page on Town’s website and social media pages, and signs about the restrictions will be placed around Ipswich. 

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