Select Board Approves Mandatory Outdoor Water Ban
North Andover imposes mandatory outdoor water ban as lake hits 24-year low.
Select Board · Meeting of September 14, 2026
North Andover imposes mandatory outdoor water ban as lake hits 24-year low. The Select Board voted unanimously to convert a voluntary summer watering restriction into a mandatory ban after Public Works Director Jim Stafford reported the town's lake, its sole water source, has fallen to its lowest level in roughly two decades amid three straight years of drought conditions. Stafford cited just 18 inches of rain this year against a recent average of 33 to 35 inches and said the town had already shut off municipal irrigation and suspended hydrant flushing.
The board also opened a 30-day comment period, running through October 12, on the town's FEMA-mandated hazard mitigation plan update, presented by Merrimack Valley Planning Commission planner Kay Emery, who said "they create kind of a action plan roadmap for the municipality." Separately, the board finalized a settlement cutting a license suspension for the restaurant Rolfe's from 15 days to five and approved a Class II dealer license for North Andover Auto Computer on Osgood Street.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,402 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of September 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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