Lynnfield Center Water District Reminds Residents That Level 3 Water Restrictions Are in Place

The Lynnfield Center Water District (LCWD), which at the beginning of May implemented routine seasonal water use restrictions, informs residents that those restrictions are now at Level 3. Restrictions are in place until further notice, likely throughout the balance of the summer.


Level 3 water restrictions mean outdoor lawn and garden watering is only allowed starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays through 6 a.m. the following day and is prohibited at all other times. Residents are allowed to use hand-held hoses and watering cans while this restriction is in place throughout the balance of the week if needed.


The restriction increase is due to a combination of factors including the recent, consistently dry weather being experienced and forecasted, and sharp increases in average water daily consumption the District is experiencing.


Superintendent John Scenna recently stated that “the District experienced a 45 percent increase in average day demand during the month of May, increases we can’t consistently sustain.”


According to Scenna, “This trend is placing a strain on infrastructure, water supply and storage capacity and subsequently will create issues with fire suppression, system pressures and daily operations. Together we need to stay ahead of these very impactful issues by regulating our outdoor water use."


Over the first 25 days of April, LCWD pump and distributed slightly over 14.1 million gallons of water. To date in May, that total over the same period of time has risen to above 21.7 million gallons, an increase Scenna directly contributes to “outdoor water use."


Restrictions are also triggered by permit withdrawal permits with the Ipswich River Watershed. Those permits use the streamflow level of the Ipswich River as a benchmark and the river has been below said benchmark for a vast majority of the past month already.


The Lynnfield Center Water District maintains a year-round watering restriction schedule as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the District’s water withdrawal limits. The restrictions also help ensure that the District can maintain proper water pressure in order to meet potential firefighting demands. More information about the restrictions is available online here.


Varying levels of restriction still allow for outdoor use, just at times when overall demand on the system is not as high. LCWD is trying to avoid a full outdoor ban but ultimately may put that in place if trends continue. According to Scenna, “it’s not time to strike the panic button yet but it is definitely the opportunity to remind our customers that watering in the summer is not unlimited as the system is currently constructed and this should be considered as they plan their use over the upcoming months.”


Scenna feels that “adjustments in watering cycles and cooperation from customers is how best to manage the demand v. supply struggle over the summer months. Be mindful of the situation and make the effort to abide by adjusting watering cycles, intervals, and durations.


Staff will continue to monitor daily water usage, Ipswich River water levels, and make changes to the restrictions if demand begins to approach supply capacity. Staff is also fast at work in expediting the Capital Improvement Program passed by the District voters which will construct a new greensand and PFAS filter plant at Glen Drive pumping station and also create an interconnection with Wakefield to supplement the system with the MWRA.


Should additional restrictions go into effect, notifications will be published on the LCWD website and signs posted will be changes in the District. The Town of Lynnfield Emergency Management Code Red System will also be used to communicate restriction status. To sign up for that service, please go to www.town.lynnfield.ma.us.
Customers with questions or concerns about the restrictions can call 781-334-3901 or email LCWD@LCWD.US