Peabody Enacts Mandatory Outdoor Water Restrictions Under Drought Declaration

PEABODY -- The city has activated mandatory outdoor water-use restrictions after the state issued a critical drought declaration, and Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. has issued a companion heat warning, as Peabody works to manage both the dry conditions and rising summer temperatures.

TOWN HALL

The Bettencourt administration confirmed the state's critical drought declaration has triggered mandatory outdoor water-use restrictions in Peabody, according to the city's official News Flash advisory posted on peabody-ma.gov. The city has also posted general drought information for residents alongside the alert.

Separately, the News Flash shows Bettencourt issued a heat warning for the city as summer temperatures climb. The mayor's office also continues to flag ongoing traffic detours and travel impacts tied to the Central Street reconstruction project downtown.

At City Hall, Bettencourt honored three Peabody high schoolers for their entries in the America 250 essay contest during a recognition ceremony, the News Flash confirms, a story the Peabody Patch also covered today (see Elsewhere in the News, below).

COMMUNITY & ARTS

The Peabody Institute Library has adjusted hours at its South and West branches, effective July 6: both locations are now open Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday from 1 to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Friday and Sunday closures, according to the library's website. The Main Library on Main Street keeps its full weekly schedule.

Downtown, the city's free 2026 Summer Concert Series continues on Leather City Common with free parking for attendees; the series builds toward a finale and fireworks show Aug. 16, the city says.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"North Shore Coffee Shop With Inspired Mission To Close After 9 Years," Peabody Patch reports. Breaking Grounds Cafe, the downtown shop that trained and employed people with disabilities, is shutting its doors after nine years in business, according to Patch, a closure also picked up by CBS News. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody/north-shore-coffee-shop-inspired-mission-close-after-9-years)

"Multi-Restaurant-Style Eatery To Open On North Shore With Ribbon Cutting," Peabody Patch reports. Wonder's new North Shore location plans a July 23 grand opening in Peabody, complete with free food samples, live music and prize giveaways, according to Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody/multi-restaurant-style-eatery-open-north-shore-giveaways)

"Peabody Honors 3 Students In America 250 Essay Contest At City Hall," Peabody Patch reports. Mayor Bettencourt honored three Peabody high schoolers for their essay-contest entries during a City Hall event, Patch reports, a ceremony the town's own News Flash also touted today. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody/peabody-honors-3-students-america-250-essay-contest-city-hall)