Dover bans outdoor water use as severe drought takes hold. Here's what order says.

DOVER — The city manager has ordered a citywide ban on outdoor water use Monday, effective mimmediately, taking the step after previously this summer urging water conservation.

The mandatory ban is now needed to "ensure an adequate and sustainable water supply throughout the city into the fall and winter months," according to City Manager Michael Joyal.

Drought conditions in Dover and southern Strafford County are severe, prompting the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to urge affected communities to invoke mandatory water restrictions, according to the city's announcement.

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"At this time, we cannot predict how long the outdoor water ban will remain, but it is likely to extend into the early fall, when we should see more regular beneficial precipitation," Joyal said in a prepared statement.

What are Dover's outdoor water restrictions and what is the penalty?

The emergency order will be enforced by public outreach, followed by warnings to those in violation, and fines of up to $250 per violation, if necessary, according to city officials.

Under the emergency order, the following outdoor water use restrictions are in place:

No outside lawn watering or irrigation, including automatic sprinklers, automatic irrigation; systems, and no unattended lawn watering.

No washing of vehicles, including automobiles, trailers and trucks.

No filling of swimming pools of 100 gallons or greater.

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Hand watering of gardens and new plantings is allowed. Commercial car washes, agriculture operations, flower shops and garden centers are not affected by the restrictions.

City officials stated water conservation efforts by all water users, including well users, will reduce the demands on Dover’s water supplies, reduce stress on water resources, and ensure sufficient water is available to meet all customer and emergency operation needs, such as fire supply.

How badly has the drought affected Dover?

Contracted hydrogeologists, who monitor the city's aquifer levels, have reported "Dover has recorded as much as 11 inches of precipitation below average this year," according to the city's announcement.

The U.S. Drought Monitor has classified Dover as being in a severe drought since the beginning of August, according to city leaders.

What can Dover residents do to help?

In addition to the mandatory water restrictions outdoors, city officials stated, there are several other ways users can help conserve water, including: Cutting back on shower times, only doing full loads of laundry when necessary, and turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, doing dishes and washing hands. Replacing old water fixtures and appliances that are wasting water is also recommended.

Dover city leaders cited guidance and tips provided by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Service's water-efficiency fact sheets at go.usa.gov/x6ADQ and drought updates and more tips at bit.ly/DROUGHTNH.

Dover officials said residents with specific questions about the water restrictions, including usage, can call the city's Community Services at 603-516-6450 or visit dover.nh.gov/waterban.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Dover NH water ban: Outdoor use prohibited amid severe drought