Crews are checking hydrants for proper operation which includes flushing some water, typically through a 1-inch valve.  This uses a much lower flow rate than our normal hydrant flushing program and shouldn't cause any water quality disturbances.  They will check all of the hydrants in the system before winter if time permits.

The next round of regular hydrant flushing is scheduled for April 2027, depending on drought status.

Our water quality report for 2025 is now available online.  Customers should receive a copy by mail in the next couple of weeks.  Click here to view the electronic version.

October 13, 2026 Update:  On October 9th, the Secreatary of the Massachusetts Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs raised the drought declaration for the northeast region from a Mild Drought to a Significant Drought.  As a result of this change, the Water Department is increasing water restrictions to the following:

• Nonessential outdoor water use is limited to low intensity devices such as hand-held implements, drip irrigation systems, etc. used before 9 AM or after 5 PM when evaporation rates are lowest.  Use of spray irrigation systems at any time is prohibited.
• Essential outdoor water use is permitted and includes those uses that have a health or safety impact, are required by regulation or are needed to meet the core functions of a business or organization.

The restrictions apply to water customers which includes properties that are served by the Town's municipal water system and the private wells located on those properties.  These restrictions will remain in place until the drought declaration is altered or rescinded.  Normal penalties will apply.  Please contact the Water Department if you have any questions.

September Update: The Secreatary of the Massachusetts Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs lowered the drought declaration for the northeast region from a Significant Drought to a Mild Drought.

August 10, 2026 Update: On August 7th, the Secreatary of the Massachusetts Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs lowered the drought declaration for the northeast region from a Critical Drought to a Significant Drought.  As a result of this change, the Water Department is relaxing water restrictions to the following:

• Nonessential outdoor water use is limited to low intensity devices such as hand-held implements, drip irrigation systems, etc. used before 9 AM or after 5 PM when evaporation rates are lowest.  Use of spray irrigation systems at any time is prohibited.
• Essential outdoor water use is permitted and includes those uses that have a health or safety impact, are required by regulation or are needed to meet the core functions of a business or organization.

The restrictions apply to water customers which includes properties that are served by the Town's municipal water system and the private wells located on those properties.  These restrictions will remain in place until the drought declaration is altered or rescinded.  Normal penalties will apply.  Please contact the Water Department if you have any questions.

Original Post:

The Topsfield Water Department has instituted a Mandatory Total Outdoor Water Use Ban effective June 3, 2026. The restriction is required when the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs declares a critical drought for northeastern Massachusetts.  A critical drought was declared on May 22, 2026.

Nonessential outdoor water use is strictly prohibited. Essential outdoor water use is permitted and includes those uses that have a health or safety impact, are required by regulation or are needed to meet the core functions of a business or organization.

The restrictions apply to all water users in Topsfield, including private well owners. The restriction will remain in place until further notice.

The Select Board has set the FY2026 water rates.   The FY2026 rate schedule is available online.  The rates are based on the budget approved at Town Meeting in May 2025 and the water use forecast for FY2026.

May 2026 Update: No rate increase is needed for FY2027.  The FY2026 rates will remain in effect.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the final PFAS regulations on April 10, 2024.  The regulations were initally issued in draft form during 2023.

EPA Regulations

The new EPA regulations set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) at 4 parts per trillion (ppt); PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid), PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid), and GenX (hexafluoroproplene oxide) at 10 ppt; and a hazard index for mixtures of PFNA, PFHxS, GenX and PFBS.

The new regulations are being phased into effect.  Systems are required to start testing for these compounds within 3 years, report the results in the annual Water Quality Report, and notify customers of any violations.  Systems have 5 years to comply with the new MCLs by either installing appropriate treatment or finding alternative PFAS-free water supplies.

The regulations also created Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for PFOS and PFOA of 0 ppt.  This means that EPA would like to eliminate PFOS and PFOA from water supplies accross the country but current testing protocols, treatment methods, and economic conditions make it infeasible.  We expect the MCLs to drop as testing and treatment methods improve.

Our offices are staffed during normal business hours.  If you need to contact us after hours for downed tree blocking a road, low water pressure, or to report a water main break call 911.  The Town is part of the Essex County Regional Communications Center and using 911 is the only way to contact us after hours.

Subscribe to our email list to receive water quality notices, daily hydrant flushing updates and water restriction information.

We conduct hundreds of water quality tests each year. Results are now available on our Water Quality Site which includes information about which water sources are in use. The site has been under development for several years and more functionality will be added as time permits.