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 These restrictions will remain in place until the drought declaration is altered or rescinded.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.
Residents are encouraged to take the following conservation measures:
• Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when full.
• Fix any leaks around the house.
• Install water efficient toilets, faucets and showerheads.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator, rather than running the faucet to get cold water.
• Consider replacing water intensive lawns with a low water demand flower garden. The Water Department has several guide books that are available to residents. Please call us at (978) 887-1517 for more information.
The Town's Water Restriction By-law allows for non-criminal penalties to be assessed for violation of the restrictions. Enforcement of this restriction will not begin until a week after this noticed is published. The penalties are as follows:
First Violation: Warning
Second Violation: $50.00
Third Violation: $100.00
Fourth and subsequent Violations: $300.00
Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.
Please visit our website, www.topsfieldpublicworks.org, for more information or call the Water Department at (978) 887-1517 if you have any questions.
