Peabody Bans Non-Essential Outdoor Water Use as Critical Drought Deepens

PEABODY — Peabody has imposed a ban on all non-essential outdoor water use as the region contends with a critical drought, while state funding for a long-discussed traffic study on Margin Street also landed this week.

TOWN HALL

The drought situation moved from concern to restriction, with the city prohibiting sprinkler use, lawn watering, and car washing until further notice. The ban covers non-essential outdoor water use citywide and comes as Massachusetts drought conditions have reached a critical level.

Also on the infrastructure front, Peabody secured $20,000 in state supplemental budget funding to support a traffic study on Margin Street from the Danvers line to the Salem line — a corridor that has long drawn complaints from residents about congestion and safety.

SCHOOLS

The 2025-2026 school year is officially over. Superintendent's office sent families a message marking the successful close of the year, calling it "productive and rewarding." Looking ahead, kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open, and the district calendar shows new teacher orientation on Aug. 26 and a professional development day Aug. 31 before classes resume. Kindergarten screening is set for Sept. 2.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

The Peabody Institute Library's South Branch and West Branch locations are shifting their hours effective July 6. New hours at both branches will be Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday 1–9 p.m., Friday closed, and Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Patrons who rely on Tuesday evening hours at those branches should note the change. The Main Library on Main Street continues its regular extended hours.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Peabody Bans All Non-Essential Outdoor Water Use Amid 'Critical' Drought" — Peabody Patch reports the restriction covers sprinklers, lawn watering, and car washing across the city as drought conditions are classified as critical, per Peabody Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)

"Peabody Gets $20K Traffic Study For Margin Street Stretch To Salem Line" — State supplemental budget funding will pay for a traffic study along Margin Street between Danvers and Salem, according to Peabody Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)

"Peabody Police Department Awarded 3-Year State Accreditation" — The department received a three-year state accreditation, which officials say reflects the agency's commitment to professional police service, per Peabody Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)

"Jason's Legacy Golf Tournament In Memory Of Late Peabody Student" — A golf tournament scheduled for Aug. 24 at Trull Brook Golf Course will raise funds for youth mental health and anti-bullying efforts, Peabody Patch reports. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)

"Peabody Volunteer Deborah Eskenazi Honored As 2026 Commonwealth Heroine" — Eskenazi was nominated by State Rep. Thomas Walsh for volunteer contributions spanning schools, local history, and nonprofits, per Peabody Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)

"Peabody To Mark 50 Years Of City Ownership At Brooksby Farm Ceremony" — An upcoming ceremony at Brooksby Farm will honor the committee that helped preserve the property when the city acquired it five decades ago, according to Peabody Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)

"2026 July 4 Fireworks Guide For Peabody Area" — Peabody Patch has published a guide to fireworks, parades, and other July 4 celebrations tied to America's 250th anniversary in and around Peabody. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)

COMING UP

- **June 26:** Summer Luau with Music by Moholland Drive (Peabody area event) - **June 26:** Blues Brothers – The Next Generation - **June 27:** "All That Glitters" band at Capone's, 9 p.m. - **June 30:** Building & Grounds Subcommittee Meeting and Executive Session (Peabody Public Schools) - **July 1:** Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers - **Aug. 24:** Jason's Legacy Golf Tournament, Trull Brook Golf Course — supporting youth mental health and anti-bullying efforts - **Aug. 26:** New teacher orientation, Peabody Public Schools - **Aug. 31:** Professional development day, no school - **Sept. 2:** Kindergarten screening, Peabody Public Schools - **July 6 (ongoing):** New hours take effect at Peabody Institute Library South and West Branch locations