Water Division Asks Customers to Limit Water Use

While significant rainfall at the end of July into August was beneficial at the time for Portsmouth's water supply, the extreme heat conditions continue to place strain on the City's water system. The ongoing heat increases water supply demands and places further stress to treat quality issues due to added organics within the water. Additionally, the annual precipitation average remains below normal due to the dry spring and the City continues to operate without the support of the Haven Well.

Therefore, due to current conditions and high water demand, the Portsmouth Water Division is advising their customers to limit water use as much as possible. Customers are encouraged to: 

• minimize landscape watering and the use of water for other outdoor purposes such as car washing; and
• limit irrigation water use to only occur between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. to reduce evaporative losses. 

If dry conditions persist, mandatory restrictions on non-essential water use may be required (they could include odd/even or two days per week watering schedules). 

For more information on water supply and quality, please visit here or contact Deputy Public Works Director Brian Goetz at 603-766-1420 or Water Supply Operations Manager Al Pratt at 603-520-0622.