City Encourages Efficient Water Use Due to Dry Summer Conditions

The City of Portsmouth NH Department of Public Works Water Division has issued a Water Supply Status Report to inform Portsmouth Water System customers of the current water supply conditions and encourage water use efficiency measures. The region has received very little precipitation since May, and the Water Division advises customers to limit their outdoor watering at this time. 

According to the Water Supply Status Report issued on August 14, 2025, “The Seacoast area is currently in a Moderate Drought according to the US Drought Monitor program. There has only been 2.6 inches of precipitation in the area since May 2025. This is about 6.4 inches below normal for this period. The recent dry and hot weather has also caused a spike in water demand up to 5.7 million gallons per day (MGD) on average, which exceeds the 10-year average for August of 5.0 MGD. City water operations staff continue to assess reservoir and groundwater impacts and adjust operations to best manage water resources.” For the full report, visit: https://portsnh.co/Water-Supply-Report-Aug-2025

According to Al Pratt, the City’s Water Resource Director, “Our supply sources are performing well now, but we may need to restrict water use if the dry weather conditions persist.” 

According to data tracked by the City’s water operations staff, river levels are extremely low for this time of year, and the reservoir water level is also lower than normal. Groundwater levels in some of the supply wells are below normal for this time of year, but comparable to recent drought years.

The City of Portsmouth has imposed no water use restrictions to date but stresses that water customers should be as efficient as possible with their water use. The City encourages water customers to voluntarily restrict their outdoor irrigation to the hours of 8 pm to 7 am to minimize the water loss due to evaporation. Customers should refrain from using water for other outdoor uses such as washing cars, boats, driveways, patios, etc. 

For more information, please contact Al Pratt at 603-520-0622, or Mason Caceres at 603-312-3804.