Supply Status

Portsmouth’s Water Division issues a monthly Water Supply Status Report to keep customers appraised of the current water supply conditions. This resource provides customers detailed information on any potential water restrictions, demand, precipitation, groundwater levels, river flows and reservoir levels to make customers aware not only of the current conditions but to also bring awareness to their water use.

While significant rainfall at the end of July into August was beneficial at the time for Portsmouth’s water supply, the current warm and dry conditions increases water supply demands and places further stress to treat quality issues due to added organics within the water. Additionally, the annual precipitation average remains below normal due to the dry spring and the City continues to operate without the support of the Haven Well.

Precipitation events during the last couple weeks of July and first two weeks of August reduced water demands on the system. This rainfall resulted in slightly higher than normal stream flows, reservoir levels and recharge to our water supplies. It also stirred up the Bellamy Reservoir which caused system operators to reduce flow at the Madbury Surface Water Treatment Facility in order to assure good water quality. Additionally, the dissolved oxygen level of the Bellamy source water is very low, causing reduced surface water treatment capacity. Therefore, system operators have shifted to relying on more groundwater for our source of supply until the treatment facility flows can be increased.

There are currently no water restrictions at this time; however, we advise our water customers to limit water use as much as possible. Please use water wisely, minimize waste, and incorporate water efficient fixtures and appliances whenever possible.

Additional updates and tips regarding water efficiency can be accessed here. 

Water operations staff continue to assess the supply conditions and will provide updates at least monthly.