Exeter recently joined 50 other communities in the Granite State to impose outdoor water use restrictions amid a statewide drought.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the entire state and more than half of Maine is under a “moderate drought” while communities along the state's border with Massachusetts are enduring a “significant drought.” 

Data from the National Integrated Drought Information System show all of Strafford and Rockingham counties are in a D-1 level, or moderate drought. However, 13% of Rockingham is experiencing a D-2 level, or severe drought.

The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) issued a release July 14 urging the public, community water systems and municipalities to implement outdoor water use restrictions.

The dry conditions affecting the state are tied to low snowpack this past winter, an early spring melt and below-average rainfall over the past few months, according to NHDES. 

“Additionally, over the past 30 days, only 25% to 50% of normal precipitation was received throughout most of the state,” the agency said. “These conditions led to a rapid decline in soil moisture, surface water levels, and streamflow, which resulted in the drought declaration.”

Sweltering heat wave hits Seacoast NH, Maine:Temps to hit 90s and feel even hotter.

No plan for a false alarm:Seabrook nuclear plant mishap exposes gap in NH protocols

The NHDES stated drought conditions are likely to persist. 

"Precipitation outlooks indicate that the volume of rain needed to alleviate drought conditions in the next few months is unlikely to materialize," the agency reported. "Also, temperature outlooks are signaling a potential for higher-than-normal temperatures, which can exacerbate drought conditions."

Exeter Select Board voted Monday to implement Level-2 outdoor water use restrictions – which allow landscape watering every other day (odd number houses on odd days and even number houses on even days) – but doesn't restrict other outdoor water use at this point.

“It’s been over a year since we have been in a drought and since we came out of our (drought) restrictions,” said Jennifer Perry, director of Exeter's Department of Public Works. “But this has been a pretty fast-developing drought situation.”

NH getting warmer and wetter:Future of severe climate change clear in UNH research.

The board also encouraged the public to practice water conservation since the town may face a more severe drought in the future, according to Perry.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the instantaneous flow rate of the Exeter River is also low for this time of the year.

“It’s well below average, for this time of the year, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon,” said Perry of the flow rate of Exeter River. “Groundwater levels have been dropping off very sharply throughout the state.”

Exeter Fire Department, Unitil warn of dangers of downed wires after dump truck crash

Perry said she does not anticipate that drought will be permanent, but a seasonal problem the town will have to face more regularly.

“I think that times have definitely changed, and we know that we are under changing conditions,” said Perry, referring to the ongoing climate crisis. “It makes it very challenging – as the state hydrologist likes to call them our 'teacup-sized aquifers' in New Hampshire – we don’t have large aquifers that cover the entire state, they’re very small and are easily impacted.”

Perry does not “see the (restrictions) coming off before winter.”

Aquarion Water Co., which serves Hampton, North Hampton, Rye and 43 customers in Stratham, is recommending that customers only water their lawns two times per week – even number houses and houses with no numbers on Sundays and Wednesdays; and odd number houses on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

The company also recommends irrigation should not be done between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Other communities, like Dover and Portsmouth, have not yet enacted outdoor water restrictions. 

"Dover has not issued any water restrictions at this time," said Michael Gillis, director of media services for the City of Dover. "Although precipitation levels over the last several months have helped keep Dover’s drinking water wells stable, with the Pudding Hill Aquifer offline until the new treatment plant is constructed and in service later next year, the city still encourages voluntary conservation measures."

Exeter Selectwoman Lovey Roundtree Oliff said the town should not only be thinking about conserving water, but also other sustainable steps to combat climate crises.

'Unusual':Feds investigate seal deaths off the coast of Maine linked to avian flu

“It’s also the matter of recycling and composting and just making a shift in a direction that is more globally conservative, especially as our town number increases and the population increases in this area,” said Roundtree Oliff. “If we start to think differently about how we use (resources) in general, it wouldn’t seem so dire every summer.”

Exeter’s water restrictions are a temporary solution which the Select Board as well as the town’s DPW may reexamine depending on further developments.

“(Water usage) has been going upwards since May, and that’s because people are using outside water for irrigation,” said Perry. “We need to get people to realize the importance of conservation.”

Exeter officials said it's important to save water for essential uses, such as fire suppression, drinking, cooking, sanitation and cleaning of clothes and dishes.