MODERATE DROUGHT CONTINUES FOR SEACOAST AREA 

Despite some recent rain events, the Seacoast area remains in a Moderate Drought. One rain event, from June 30th to July 1st resulted in three inches of rain, which improved our conditions considerably. It also reduced water demand from a high of 6.15 million gallons delivered on June 21, 2020 to only 3.50 million gallons on June 30th. Water demand in the system picked up again later in July as the weather continued to be hot and dry.

With the dry weather so far in June and low winter snowpack, the U.S. Drought Monitor this week elevated the southern half of the state from “Abnormally Dry” to “Moderate Drought” conditions, so NH DES is implementing the State Drought Management Plan to coordinate the State Drought Management Team of state, federal, regional and municipal agencies, including the Portsmouth DPW Water Division.

Portsmouth and Pease International Tradeport Current Water Supply Status

The City’s Regional Water System staff are continuing to operate, monitor and maintain the Portsmouth and Pease Tradeport Water Treatment systems during this Covid-19 virus. Staffing has been adjusted to provide ample system coverage while protecting our water system operators as much as possible. Our source waters are chlorinated for adequate disinfection, monitored continuously for chlorine residuals and sampled throughout the water system to assure proper treatment continues.