Water Conservation

11/16/2022: The Exeter Public Works Department along with the Select Board ended the Level 4 outdoor water use restrictions that were instituted on July 21st. No other water restrictions have been instituted at this time. Recent rain events have provided much-needed relief to surface waters and groundwater levels prior to the onset of winter. Water resource conditions should be reviewed again in the spring. Water users are always encouraged to practice effective water conservation. For helpful tips on water use and conservation visit the Water Sense page below. 

Drought conditions in Exeter and the upper reaches of the Exeter River watershed have improved to moderate drought or abnormally dry. Temperatures have been above average and are predicted to continue to be above normal through January. Precipitation is below average and there is a 6.57 inch precipitation deficit for the year to date, although this will likely improve with precipitation this weekend. Surface water flows are below normal and estimated to be 18.1 cfs (11.7 MGD) at the Exeter River intake. Groundwater levels in the region have improved to below normal to normal. Exeter water usage reflects non-summer flows with the most recent 7-day average of 0.94 MGD. 

Water Restriction Guidelines if in place

The Town of Exeter Public Works Department together with the Exeter Select Board will decide to enforce water use restrictions IF the State of New Hampshire drought monitor reflects the Rockingham County in a drought. NH Drought Monitor information can be found in the link below.

These Activities are Restricted for Level 4:

• Landscape watering is prohibited. Hand watering of gardens or flower beds is allowed. 

• The filling of swimming pools greater than 100 gallons capacity is prohibited.

• Washing of streets, driveways, sidewalks or other impervious areas is prohibited.

• Washing of vehicles or boats at a non-commercial facility shall be prohibited.

First Violation: Written Warning

Second Violation: $100 Fine

Third Violation: $500 Fine and Water Shut Off

RSA 41:11-d Restricting the Watering of Lawns. – I. The local governing body may establish regulations (see Exeter Town Ordinance 1610.2) restricting the use of water from private wells or public water systems for outdoor lawn watering when administrative agencies of the state or federal government have designated the region as being under a declared state or condition of drought. The grass playing turf of a recreational field, the grass playing surfaces of a golf course, and grass agricultural fields, including fields used for the production of sod, may be excluded from any restrictions pursuant to this paragraph.

Conserve water to preserve it for drinking, sanitation, safety fire suppression.

For more information regarding water efficiency practices, please visit New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.