Summary
Salem is in drought and the council made lawn watering mandatory-restricted: odd days only, midnight to 10 a.m., starting May 15. Councilors ditched the original voluntary plan because businesses and residents wouldn't comply, and utilities staff said mandatory restrictions recover lake levels better.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
Buying more regional water costs about $3.09 per unit versus far cheaper town-treated water, which could pressure water fees.
Canobie Lake and Arlington Pond water levels, plus everyone who depends on them.
Water customers who may see bill increases from regional water purchases.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Planning Board (Regular) - Oct 13, 2026
The town has been under a water restriction since May and Canobie Lake is low, but the board has no hard data on how much water Salem uses, where it comes from, or what happens if it runs out. Chairman Feole has asked for a water memo for years; staff agreed to compile data before the end of the year.
Town Council - Sep 28, 2026
Water restrictions stay in place into the fall because proactive limits kept Canobie Lake levels acceptable. The lake is down five feet and the Canobie Lake Protective Association wants the switch to Arlington Pond moved up.
Planning Board (Regular) - Jul 28, 2026
The town has been under water restrictions since May 15 — the earliest ever — and the new Tuscan plan projects higher water use. Staff and engineers are still reviewing the numbers.
Town Council - Jul 6, 2026
Restrictions are working — usage is down and Canobie Lake levels are holding steady. About 300 potential violators are getting second notices with fines.
Town Council - May 18, 2026
Irrigation water restrictions went into effect May 15 — check the town website for odd/even watering days.
Town Council - May 4, 2026
Salem is in drought and the council made lawn watering mandatory-restricted: odd days only, midnight to 10 a.m., starting May 15. Councilors ditched the original voluntary plan because businesses and residents wouldn't comply, and utilities staff said mandatory restrictions recover lake levels better.
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