🌱 Crystal Lake Update + Drought Water Restrictions + Electric Buses

Hello, friends. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening locally.

Love the Manchester Daily? Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe for free.

• Crystal Lake is open as bacteria levels drop to safe levels
• New Hampshire's moderate-to-severe drought
• Are electric school buses in our clean energy future?

First, today's weather:

An afternoon shower today. High: 81 Low: 61.

Here are the top 3 stories in Manchester today:

1. Crystal lake is open! It has been a tough summer for Crystal Lake, as high temperatures brought high levels of E.coli. Health officials tested the water again on Aug 11, and as of Friday, Aug. 12, reopened the lake for swimmers and fishing. You will find an update on weekly water samples here: (Manchester NH.gov)
2. New Hampshire is facing drought conditions with higher than normal temperatures in July and August with little rain expected in the coming weeks. On Thursday, the state Department of Environmental Services recommended that local cities and towns "adopt mandatory outdoor water use restrictions." Fifty-three percent of the state is experiencing moderate-to-severe drought conditions. City councils, the board of selectmen, and the board of public works or local administrators have the authority to order a cutback on landscape watering or the filling of swimming pools. Nearby cities and towns, including Nashua and Bedford, have implemented mandatory outside water restrictions. You can find out more here: (DES.nh.gov)
3. Clean-energy school buses may be taking students to school and sporting events if New Hampshire decides to replace their old, polluting diesel engine buses with new electric models. It's possible thanks to millions of dollars flowing to the state from the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law passed late last year that included $5 billion in funding for school districts to replace older diesel school buses with new, clean, or zero-emission buses. Rising gas prices have helped increase New Hampshire's interest in electric vehicles, "which might spill over to interest in electric school buses." (Subscription/The Union Leader)

Today in Manchester:

• Simple STEAM Activity - Goffstown Public Library. (10 a.m.)
• Add your event for free

From my notebook:

• Manchester Public Library: Events this week. (Manchester Public Library)
• Institute of Art and Design: Events this week. (Institute of Art and Design via Facebook)
• Manchester Palace Theatre's: Events this week. (The Palace Theatre)
• The Currier Museum: Events this week. (The Currier Museum, Events)
• Stark Park: Summer music series and events. (Stark Park)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking, watching the fireflies in the sultry moments before sunset, You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Manchester Daily? Contact me at manchester-nh@patch.com