How much water does Topsfield use? Below is a chart that shows how much water was used on a daily basis for the past few weeks. The totals include all of the water consumed including water used by customers, leakage, flushing and fire fighting. The volumes on this chart are calculated using pump flow and tank level data from our control system. System demand is calculated by correcting withdrawal volumes for changes in storage tank levels.

May 1st marks the beginning of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's summer regulatory period. Our water withdrawal permit requires us to implement outdoor water use restrictions when Ipswich River stream flow falls below certain levels from May 1st through September 30th. The permit also restricts the amount of water we can pump during this period to an average of 0.55 million gallons per day.

Stream flow is measured at the United States Geological Survey's gauge station located just downstream of the dam near Foote Brothers Canoe Rental in Ipswich. Click here to view a full screen version of the chart.

A voluntary outdoor water use restriction is required if the average daily stream flow at the Ipswich Gauge drops below 70 cubic feet per second for three consecutive days. If the average daily stream flow continues to drop and falls below 52.5 cubic feet per second for three consecutive days then a mandatory restriction is required. The restrictions stay in effect until stream flow recovers and is above the trigger point for at least 10 consecutive days.

The spring round of backflow device testing is underway.  If you have not had your device tested yet and would like to use our Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester then please call the Water Department.

The Topsfield Composting Center will open for the season on April 7, 2012. The Composting Facility is located at the Public Works Facility on Boston Street. There is a fee to drop off leaves and yard waste. Residents can go to the Selectmen's Office in Town Hall and purchase a Compost Access Ticket for $5.00. Each Ticket will allow the disposal of up to 2 cubic yards (a standard body pick up truck) of material per visit. Each visit will require a separate access ticket.

Seasonal stickers can be purchased at Town Hall.  The cost is $45.

The Compost Center is open and staffed on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM only. No weekday drop-off is permitted unless prior arrangements have been made. Any additional information can be obtained by calling the Highway Dept. at 978-887-1542.