'Severe Drought' Conditions Declared For North Shore, Merrimack Valley

DANVERS, MA — Persistent drought conditions across the region took a considerable turn for the dire in recent weeks with the National Weather Service declaring the North Shore, Merrimack Valley and parts of North Central Massachusetts in a "severe drought."

The areas had been considered in "moderate drought" conditions earlier this month, but a lack of substantial rain and frequent warm, windy weather have made the situation worse early this summer.

"The dryness in the region has allowed for drought expansion this week with a new area of moderate drought in western New York and a new area of severe drought in eastern Massachusetts," the National Weather Service said. "Most of the dryness was short-term in nature, but there were immediate declines to river and streamflow levels throughout the region."

One of those streamflows is the Ipswich River, which is the water source for 14 North Shore communities, including Danvers.

Danvers last week went to a Level 5 "conserve water" restriction which prevents watering outdoors at any time unless using a hand-held hose or watering can from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily. The restriction also prevents outdoor car washing and the filling of swimming pools.

A Level 6 water restriction — the highest level — would prevent all outdoor water use in the town.

Violations of the Level 5 drought order result in a warning letter for the first offense with subsequent violations potentially resulting in a $300 fine.

It's the first time since 2020 that Danvers has reached a Level 5 restriction and first time in two years parts of the state have been in a "severe drought," according to the NWS.

Patch recently talked with WBUR-FM Radio Boston host Carrie Jung about the endangered Ipswich River basin and the effect it has on summer water use in Danvers, and the 13 other communities under the state Department of Environmental Protection-mandated restrictions, each year when the Ipswich River sustains low water flow.

There appears to be little relief in sight for the drought conditions with a chance of scattered downpours expected on Thursday and then sunny, very dry and summerlike temperatures forecast for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The next chance for more widespread rain is not expected until at least Monday.

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