'A little scary': South Berwick residents urged to conserve water as town faces shortage

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine (WGME) — There’s a water emergency in a York County town. The South Berwick Water District says the town water supply is drying up.

It’s been a very dry August. The rainfall in southern Maine has been limited, leaving the town water in short supply.

As a result, people who live in South Berwick are being ordered to conserve water.

Louise Cole Anderson has called South Berwick home her whole life. This isn’t her first water emergency.

“I was like, oh boy. Here we go again,” Anderson said.

There was another one in 2021, which required residents to conserve water for weeks.

“I think that’s a concern for everybody in South Berwick. Their wells could dry up, and having town water, they’re concerned about town water. That is a little scary,” Anderson said.

The South Berwick Water District uses groundwater for its supply, but during dry stretches, the wells dry up.

Officials from the water district say residents are requested to conserve and limit indoor water use to essential needs only. They can use the tap, wash their hands, and shower.

However, all outdoor watering, including lawn irrigation, car washing, and filling of swimming pools, is prohibited.

Violators could face daily fines of $200 or even be disconnected from the water altogether.

Cathy Lauber’s son lives in South Berwick. She’s concerned that the water emergency won’t be lifted any time soon, with mostly dry weather in the forecast for the days ahead.

“They need the water. If not, the wells are going to be dry. What are they going to do?” Lauber said. “Why aren’t we getting any rain? The river’s not going up, too. I’m not sure how they do the water here. I don’t know. We do need the rain very bad.”

The South Berwick Water District says the restrictions will remain in effect until further notice and it will provide updates to residents as needed.

For more information, visit the South Berwick Water District’s website, Facebook page, or call the office at (207) 384-2257.

Amid the water concerns, crews responded to a large water main break on main street in South Berwick on Wednesday. The town lost about 25,000 gallons as a result of the water main break. However, the water district says it was a minimal dent in the water supply. The cause is under investigation.