Danvers Reinstates Emergency Summertime Water Restrictions

DANVERS, MA — Danvers outdoor water restrictions — typically only in effect from May until September — are now back effectively immediately after the town reinstates a Level 5 restriction amid the extended drought and elevated fire danger.

The town said the restrictions are because of low water flow in the Ipswich River, within the reservoir and limited precipitation in recent months, as well as to preserve water necessary to fight any fires that may spark in the coming weeks if the drought persists.

"More frequent water withdrawals are needed to support fire suppression efforts and maintain community safety," town officials said.

• Danvers Bans All Outdoor Open Fires Amid 'Extreme Drought'

The restriction, which is one level below the Level 6 "extreme" ban on all outdoor water use, permits outdoor lawn and garden hoses with hand-held hoses and cans only from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.

All use of sprinklers, irrigation systems and washing of cars is prohibited, as is the filling of swimming pools — which is unlikely to be an issue in November.

The fire risk is expected to remain high through the end of the week with near-record warm temperatures approaching 80 degrees and strong southwest winds over the next two days making conditions conducive to any brush fire spreading quickly.

Violations of the Level 5 drought conditions result in a warning letter for the first offense. Subsequent violations may result in a $300 fine.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)