Higher than normal precipitation over the past three months have caused the quantity of available groundwater and surface water to be greater than normal for this time of year. The quality of the surface water has greatly improved and stabilized since the dynamic water quality changes that occurred in late September and October. There are currently no water use restrictions in place. We continue to ask our water customers to please use water wisely, minimize waste, and incorporate water efficient fixtures and appliances whenever possible.

The State General Election is November 6, 2018. On election day, COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation) is going to provide free rides to anyone going to vote. Riders just need to tell the driver the purpose of their trip to receive the free ride. For senior transportation, anyone who schedules a ride on the service to voting locations will not be charged a fare in either direction.

The theme of the 2018 holiday parade is Spirit of Portsmouth. Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 1st, beginning with music in Market Square and then Mayor Blalock lighting the tree at 5:30 p.m. The parade follows at 6:00 p.m.

The City is opening their second parking garage at 100 Foundry Place on Halloween day, Wednesday, October 31st. To celebrate the grand opening, Mayor Blalock will join City staff and those involved in the project for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8 a.m. After the ceremony, the garage gates will open to the public at 10 a.m., and will be free of cost to drivers for the entire day.