Water Supply/Drought Information

Current drought status, water use restrictions, reservoir updates, and conservation guidance for residents and businesses.

Current Status - Critical Drought

UPDATED: September 15, 2026

All nonessential outdoor water use is prohibited under Chapter 250 of the City Code.

The City of Haverhill water supply in in the Critical Drought stage, and mandatory water use restrictions continue to be in effect under Chapter 250 of the City Code. All residents and businesses are required to comply. Additionally, the State has revised the northeast region's drought status to Level 1 mild drought.

As of September 15, 2026, Kenoza Lake—Haverhill's primary drinking water source—is approximately 9.7 feet below average, reflecting ongoing dry conditions and limited seasonal recovery. While the City has received some recent rainfall, it has not been enough to meaningfully restore reservoir levels, and the City still has a significant water supply deficit.

To maximize the City's available water supply, the Water Department is currently pumping approximately 1 million gallon per day (1 MGD) from Crystal Lake into the City's water system. Millvale is currently offline because it is too low to pump.

Millvale Reservoir is intentionally being maintained at a lower level to maximize its ability to capture future rainfall and stormwater runoff as conditions improve.

The City continues to monitor reservoir levels, rainfall, water demand, and regional drought conditions daily and will provide updates as conditions change.

Nonessential Outdoor Water Use Means a Use That is Not Required:

• for health or safety reasons, including public facilities used for cooling such as splash pads and swimming pools, and for washing of boats, engines, or marine equipment to prevent negative saltwater impacts or the transfer of invasive aquatic species;

• by permit, license, statute or regulation;

• for the production of food, including vegetable gardens, and fiber;

• for the maintenance of livestock;

• Irrigation with harvested and stored stormwater runoff;

• to meet the core functions (those functions essential to the commercial operations) of a business, including but not limited to:

  • plant nurseries as necessary to maintain stock;

  • golf courses as necessary to maintain greens and tees, and limited fairway watering per 310 CMR 36.07(2)(c)2.a. through c.;

  • venues used for weddings or similar special events that limit watering to hand-held hose or drip irrigation as necessary to maintain gardens, flowers and ornamental plants;

  • professional washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways and/or sidewalks as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement, or cement in the course of construction, reconstruction or renovation work;

• for irrigation of public parks before 9:00 A.M. and after 5:00 P.M.,

• for irrigation of public and private recreation fields, including those operated by schools, colleges, universities and athletic associations, before 9:00 A.M. and after 5:00 P.M.;

• for irrigation of publicly-funded shade trees and trees in the public right-of-way; or

• to establish a new lawn as necessary to stabilize soil in response to new construction or following the repair or replacement of a Title 5 system.

Indoor Water Conservation

• Fix leaks promptly

• Run full dishwasher and laundry loads

• Take shorter showers

• Install water-efficient fixtures

Business Guidance

Businesses should review operations, repair leaks promptly, reduce nonessential water use, and comply with all restrictions.

Compliance

The City is actively enforcing restrictions. Violations may result in warnings, fines, and additional enforcement actions.

Contact

Water Department at 978-374-2370 or via Haverhill’s 311 system.

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