DPW Press Releases

The Drought Monitor issued on August 18, 2020 elevated New Hampshire’s drought conditions in the Seacoast area to Severe Drought (D2), up from Moderate Drought conditions set on June 23, 2020. The New Hampshire Seacoast has received only 8 inches of precipitation since the beginning of May compared to the 14 inch average. The State has activated the Drought Management Task Force and has advised public water systems including Portsmouth’s to implement outdoor water use restrictions where needed.

MODERATE DROUGHT DECLARED

Starting the week of July 13, Electric Light Company of York, Maine will begin the upgrade to the traffic signals at three intersections along Maplewood Avenue at Deer Street, Hanover Street and Congress Street. During the work, there will be daily closures of one of the sidewalk corners at each of the intersections. Detour signing will be provided to direct pedestrians to the open crosswalks at each intersection. Pedestrian signals will remain operational during the work.

Visitors to poet Celia Thaxter at her hotel on Appledore Island at the Isles of Shoals once enjoyed the vibrant conversation of their fellow guests at her literary “salons;” but they were equally entranced by her gardens. Childe Hassam, America’s Impressionist made her garden famous in his paintings and Celia Thaxter published a book with collected poems and watercolor illustrations of her gardens.