Andover and North Andover moved from a critical drought to the state's lowest drought level on Thursday, Sept. 10, but residents in both towns still face outdoor water use restrictions.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Northeast Region, which includes both communities, improved to a Level 1 Mild Drought, according to the state. The region had been under more severe drought conditions through the summer.

Under Andover's water conservation bylaw, adopted by Town Meeting in 2025, the Level 1 designation means outdoor watering is limited to one day per week before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. That is a significant loosening from the Level 3 Critical Drought restrictions in place as recently as late July. Those rules banned nearly all nonessential outdoor water use, including lawn watering, car washing and pool filling.

"The rain we saw this summer is helping, and we're encouraged to see conditions improve across the state," Tepper said in the Sept. 10 announcement. She urged continued conservation to protect local water supplies and ensure enough water for fire protection.

The improvement followed a wet July, but August was drier than normal. Essex County, where both towns sit, saw some of the lowest rainfall totals in the state, according to the state's announcement. Longer-term rainfall deficits remain in many parts of the state, WHAV reported.

In North Andover, the water department imposed its own restrictions around Sept. 1 because of low water levels at Lake Cochichewick, the town's drinking water source. The town prohibited all nonessential outdoor water use, including spray irrigation, vehicle washing and pool filling, according to a town Facebook post.

Those restrictions may still be in effect.

Andover's bylaw ties restriction levels directly to statewide drought declarations. When the town adopted the bylaw in 2025, Department of Public Works Director Carlos Jaquez said the town had little choice but to comply with state regulations governing its water withdrawal permit. He also said in July the town was not looking to aggressively enforce restrictions but hoped residents would voluntarily conserve.

The state's Drought Management Task Force is scheduled to meet Oct. 8 at 9:30 a.m. to assess whether recent rain will lead to lasting improvements. Residents can report dry conditions through the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter at mass.gov/wir. Private well owners with problems such as dry wells should contact their local boards of health.