City of Dover implements mandatory water use restrictions

posted on: 7/1/2021; updated: 8/27/2021

Friday, Aug. 27, 2021: City Manager J. Michael Joyal rescinded all outdoor water restrictions effective immediately. He continues to urge water conservation practices whenever possible.

Effective July 1, 2021, the City of Dover implemented a mandatory, citywide ban on outdoor water use following the June 22, 2021 drought declaration to ensure an adequate and sustainable water supply throughout the summer.

The U.S. Drought Monitor's June 22 drought classification followed a full year of the City of Dover being classified as abnormally dry or in drought conditions, including extreme drought, creating a significant precipitation deficit. Levels at some of the City of Dover drinking water aquifers were below levels measured during the extended 2016 drought.

City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr., issued an emergency order on July 1, 2021, enabling water restrictions on nonessential outdoor water use, per City Ordinance 121-51.

"With the drought designation, significant precipitation deficit, and lower than average water aquifer levels, we are instituting mandatory water use restrictions to ensure a sustainable drinking water supply throughout the summer,” Joyal said when he issued the emergency order. “The restrictions will likely remain in place until we see significant rainfall and the aquifers relied upon for the city’s drinking water supply have been replenished.”

Measurement data at City aquifers in June indicated that water levels at many are two to three feet lower than at the same time last year and during the 2016 drought. According to the National Weather Service precipitation measurements at the Skyhaven Airport in Rochester, June was the driest month on record since it started collecting data in 2000.

After significant precipitation in July, the City of Dover, as of July 20, 2021, is no longer considered in drought or abnormally dry conditions. However, the water restrictions remain in place at least through Labor Day to allow the recharging of the city's aquifers.

The City of Dover obtains all of its drinking water through 11 groundwater wells. However, three wells that pump water from the Pudding Hill Aquifer that typically supply 40% of city’s drinking water are offline and reserved for emergency use until a water treatment facility is built.

“With those out (wells) out of service, we are being extremely cautious with the demands on our system,” Joyal told the City Council on Aug. 11.

Under the emergency order, the following outdoor water use restrictions are in place:

No outside lawn watering or irrigation, including automatic sprinklers, automatic irrigation systems, and no unattended lawn watering
No washing of vehicles, including automobiles, trailers and trucks
No filling of swimming pools greater than 100 gallons

Hand watering of gardens and new plantings is allowed. Commercial car washes, agriculture operations, flower shops and garden centers are not affected by the restrictions at this time.

Water conservation efforts by all water users, including well users, will reduce the demands on Dover’s water supplies, reduce stress on water resources, and ensure sufficient water is available to meet all customer and emergency operation’s needs, such as fire supply. The emergency order will be enforced by public outreach, followed by warnings to those in violation, and fines of up to $250 per violation, if necessary. For specific questions about the water restrictions, including usage, contact Community Services at 516-6450.

In addition to the mandatory water restrictions outdoors, there are several other ways users can help conserve water, including:

Cutting back on shower times, only doing full loads of laundry when necessary, and turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, doing dishes and washing hands.
Replace old water fixtures and appliances that are wasting water. Top-loading washing machines built before 2003 and toilets older than 1994 are known to be the largest water-wasting culprits in the home. Showerheads older than 1994 can also waste a great deal of water, as can older bathroom sink aerators. Selecting ENERGY STAR certified machines and replacing old water fixtures with EPA WaterSense certified fixtures is an easy way to ensure you are choosing products that will save water and perform. For guidance on selecting ENERGY STAR and WaterSense certified products and more water efficiency tips, see the NHDES water-efficiency fact sheets at https://go.usa.gov/x6ADQ.
Fix leaks, including running toilets. Running toilets can waste hundreds of gallons a day. Old and worn toilet flappers are often the culprit and are very easy to replace. Also, some toilet leaks can’t be heard. Check for a leak by dropping food coloring (12 drops) or a leak detector dye tablet in the toilet tank. Do not flush for 15 or 20 minutes. If the dye shows up in the bowl, you know that your toilet is running.

The City’s water users can learn more about current drought conditions, outdoor water use restrictions, water efficiency tips, and drought guidance at http://bit.ly/DROUGHTNH.

For more information, contact Community Services at 516-6450.

The emergency declaration and order can be accessed below: