Water Supply/Drought Information

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

Current Status - Emergency Drought

UPDATED: June 26, 2026

Mandatory water use restrictions remain in effect under Chapter 250 of the City Code.

The City of Haverhill water supply remains in the Emergency 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 declared that the northeast region of Massachusetts is in a Level 3 significant drought.

As of this week, Kenoza Lake—Haverhill's primary drinking water source—is approximately 7.5 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 2 million gallons per day (2 MGD) from Millvale Reservoir and 1 million gallons per day (1 MGD) from Crystal Lake into the City's water system.

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.

Currently Prohibited Outdoor Water Uses

• Irrigation using automatic sprinklers

• Washing vehicles (except commercial car washes)

• Washing driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, and most building surfaces

• Filling pools, hot tubs, and wading pools

• Decorative fountains

• Nonessential construction-related water use

Current Allowed Outdoor Water Use Exceptions

The following are exempt from nonessential outdoor water use restrictions under the current drought declaration.

• Irrigation using harvested and stored stormwater runoff.

• Water use for agricultural purposes.

• Water use required to meet the core functions of a business, including:

  • Golf course irrigation necessary to maintain tees, greens, and limited fairwaywatering.

  • Plant nursery or agricultural operation irrigation to maintain stock orestablish new plantings.

  • Equipment washing to prevent damage and/or maintain performance.

  • Pest management and plant cooling activities

• Irrigation of recently planted trees with a tree watering bag.

• Public facilities for cooling such as splash pads and swimming pools

Limited Allowable Outdoor Water Uses (Before 7 AM or After 7 PM)

• Irrigation of public parks and recreation fields by automatic sprinkler.

• Irrigation to establish only the areas of replanted or resodded lawns or plantings byhand-held hose only — only during May and September.

• Irrigation of newly planted lawns (seeded or sodded) by hand-held wateringcontainer or hose only for homes or businesses newly constructed within theprevious 12 months, within the current calendar year.

• Irrigation of gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants by hand-held wateringcontainer or hose or drip irrigation systems only.

• Irrigation of established lawns by hand-held hose only.

• Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials

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.

Sign up to receive time-sensitive messages anywhere you specify - home, business, cell phones or emails, texts, on our website City of Haverhill Alert Messages.