Peabody Imposes Mandatory Water Restrictions Amid Drought Declaration
Peabody residents are facing mandatory outdoor water use restrictions after the state issued a critical drought declaration, a move City Hall paired this week with a mayoral heat warning as summer conditions intensify.
TOWN HALL
City Hall confirmed that the state's critical drought declaration has triggered mandatory outdoor water use restrictions in Peabody, according to a News Flash notice posted this week. The city has also posted separate drought information for residents seeking guidance on complying with the new rules.
Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. issued a heat warning to residents as the drought conditions coincide with elevated summer temperatures, per a City Hall announcement. The mayor's office did not specify an end date for either advisory.
Separately, the city continues to flag traffic detours and travel impacts tied to the ongoing Central Street construction project, part of the mayor's broader downtown revitalization effort.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Peabody Institute Library's South and West branches began new hours effective July 6, 2026: Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday 1 to 9 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with both branches closed Friday and Sunday.
The library is also running its "100 Books Before Graduation" challenge for teens in grades 9-12, who can log reading on Beanstack to earn free books and a chance at a prize bag for completing the goal.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Peabody Farm Owner Renews Plea Against Rooster Dumping" — Wood Farm is once again dealing with unwanted feathered visitors, marking the second consecutive year the farm has become an unofficial drop-off point, according to Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)
"Pet Lovers Club Makes a Paw-Sitive Impact at Brooksby" — A volunteer group including Peabody residents Melinda Everett, Sylvia Belkin, Susan Blau and David McCauley organizes pet care services at Brooksby Village, Patch reports. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)
COMING UP
The Peabody Patch calendar lists several regional concerts in the coming week, including the Beer Garden Music Series featuring Stroke of Luck on July 21 and a Los Lobos performance on July 22.