LYNN — A mandatory water ban has been put in place on all nonessential outdoor water use in Lynn, as well as all of Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk county, as the northeast region of the state has been declared to be in a Level 3 Critical Drought status.

The drought is the result of below-average rainfall, as the region received just 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain during the first two weeks of May. Rivers and streams are also running below normal levels and groundwater has continued to decrease, which poses a risk to both Lynn’s drinking water system and environmental resources, according to the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission.

During this time of year, the total capacity for the LWSC reservoir system is usually at 85%, but as of May 25, it has declined and is now at just 72.2%.

In an effort to minimize overall water use, residents are now prohibited from watering their lawns and using irrigation systems until further notice. They are also being encouraged to fix any leaking toiler or faucets, use dishwashers instead of handwashing, and limit indoor water use in the form of showers over baths. The Department of Public Works has also been required to turn off all water used for irrigation in parks and playgrounds, and at the Gannon Municipal Golf Course, the irrigation has been reduced to 40%.

Those who are caught violating the ban will be issued a warning from the Commission for the first offense, but could face further consequences for repeated offenses.

“We issue a warning and will let them know that there is a water ban in effect, and then from there, there is potential for fines, or termination of service,” said Superintendent of Water Supply and Treatment Matt Comeau.

Despite the sudden rainfall this weekend, Lynn will remain at a Level 3 Drought Status until the Commission announces that conditions have improved. This is dependent on an update from the Drought Task Force at their next meeting, Comeau stated, where “they’ll discuss what they saw in the month of May.”

The meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 11 a.m.