Danvers moves to Level 5 outdoor water restrictions as water rates rise

Danvers began Level 5 outdoor water restrictions on July 21, 2026, limiting how residents and businesses can use water outside their properties. The Town of Danvers cited low flow in the Ipswich River and low reservoir levels when it imposed the restrictions.

At the same time, customers are seeing higher water and sewer charges. The town’s FY2027 water rates increased 3%, while sewer rates increased 5%. The new rates began appearing on bills issued in July 2026.

What outdoor water use is allowed

Under the Level 5 rules, residents and businesses may use hand-held hoses and watering cans only between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. That overnight window is the permitted period identified in the town’s notice for those forms of outdoor watering.

Sprinklers and irrigation systems are prohibited. The restrictions also prohibit filling swimming pools and washing cars. The rules therefore affect common household and business activities, including lawn and landscape watering, pool maintenance and vehicle washing.

The town’s enforcement structure starts with a warning letter for a first violation. Subsequent violations may result in a $300 fine. The announcement does not state a date for lifting the Level 5 restrictions, so the approved notice does not establish when the limits will end.

Higher water and sewer bills

The rate changes were included in town notices dated July 1 and July 21, 2026. For FY2027, the water-rate increase is 3% and the sewer-rate increase is 5%, affecting customers connected to Danvers’ water and sewer system.

Danvers projected that an average family using 12,000 cubic feet of water annually would pay $21.50 more per quarter. The town described that as a 3.87% combined increase for that average usage profile.

The $21.50 amount is an estimate for the town’s stated average family, not a fixed increase for every household or business. A customer’s actual change depends on usage and the applicable rate information. The notice does not provide the previous and new dollar rates per unit, so it does not allow an exact bill comparison from the announcement alone.

What customers should know

Danvers water and sewer customers face two changes beginning in July: outdoor water use is more restricted, and service costs more under the FY2027 schedule. For now, the town’s notice identifies the July 21 effective date and the permitted watering hours but does not provide a later deadline or lifting date for Level 5.