News

The town’s contractor for Crack Sealing will be performing work on various roads town-wide on September 22nd, 23rd and 24th.

The Town of Merrimac Highway Department is seeking snow plow contractors for the 2026-2027 season. Fill out the FY27 Snow Plow Contractor Application. Any questions call Leo Reynolds 978-346-8939.

Please be aware that there is work being done at the East Main Street Mobile home park. They are repairing a water line and the turn off and on of water is causing discolored water throughout town. We hope to be made aware when they are done so we can tell you and you may run your water to clear the discoloration. Thank you for your patience. Merrimac Water

LEVEL 1 MILD DROUGHT CONDITIONS

Mandatory

Restrictions on Non-Essential Water Use

Under the Level 1 Water Use Restriction:

Our Water Management Act permit defines the following:

Nonessential outdoor water uses that are subject to mandatory restrictions include:

• NO MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK: irrigation of lawns via sprinkler or automatic irrigation systems;
• NO MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK: washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety; and
• NO MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK: washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks except as necessary to apply surface treatment such as paint, preservatives, stucco, cement or pavement. 
• NO MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK: Watering ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand hold hose or watering cans may be permitted during non-peak hours (after 5 pm and before 9 am)

Water uses NOT subject to mandatory restrictions are those required:

• for health or safety reasons;
• by regulation;
• for production of food and fiber;
• for the maintenance of livestock; or
•  to meet the core functions of a business (for example, irrigation of a golf course as necessary to maintain tees, greens, and limited fairway watering, or irrigation by a plant nursery to maintain stock).

This conservation measure will be strictly enforced. Violators will be issued a written warning for the first offense. A second offense will be fined $50.00 and $100 for each subsequent offense.

Please call the office with any questions or concerns…978-346-8407

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced a risk level increase to MODERATE for West Nile virus (WNV) in the above towns. WNV is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in both urban and rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

By taking a few precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones until heavy frost:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.

• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up, and/or wearing repellent.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently.

• Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly fitted screens on all your windows and doors.

Local Health Departments continue to work closely with the MDPH, other agencies, and locally with the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control District (NEMMC) to control mosquitoes in these towns. In response, NEMMC will continue to identify areas in the district that require treatment for larval control.

If you have areas of standing water around your home or any old passenger tires left outside, please Request Service for larviciding site inspection and/or Tire Removal.  

Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito

New construction on East Main Street, Village Meadows (Old Skip’s) will be tapping into our water main tomorrow morning. This may disturb some sediment in the main. you may experience discolored water at times during this work. Please flush your cold water taps to clear any discolored water. Thank you for your patience. Merrimac Water Department

Join the Town Clerk’s office at the Veterans Memorial on Church St 9/10 at 7:30PM for 9/11 Remembered.

In preparation for resurfacing Church Street, the DPW will be completing some drain work scheduled for Tuesday 9/8/26. This work will require a lane closure in the area of Willowdale Road. Please expect delays on Church Street and avoid the area if possible

Merrimac – Residents and visitors are invited to view a local example of early Colonial architecture and to enjoy a look at Colonial life when the Merrimac Town Improvement Society holds their annual fall open house at the Old Sawyer House Saturday September 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Old Sawyer House is located at 20 East Main Street (adjacent to the Merrimac Fire Station) in Merrimac, Ma.

This year, the Town Improvement Society is pleased to announce that the annual open house at the Old Sawyer House will be featured as a cultural event during this year’s Essex National Heritage Area’s Trails and Sails free event series.  The Town Improvement Society is excited to participate in this regional program which raises interest and awareness for art and culture in the Essex County.  

    A 1.5 mile looped trail will also be open for guided walks during the open house.  The trails provide visitors with an opportunity to explore some of the woodland and vegetated areas that belong to the Town Improvement Society.

    In addition to tours of the Old Sawyer House (circa 1735) and woodland trails, cider and light refreshments will be served around the main fireplace of the Sawyer House. 

    A charitable organization with a Section 501 (c) (3) status, the Town Improvement Society is seeking funds to repair and restore five of the windows located on the west side of the Old Sawyer House.  The front door pediment also requires restoration. Information on the restoration project will be available at the September 19 Open House. 

    The Old Sawyer House, a classic New England saltbox, was built by John Kendrick and sold to Aaron Sawyer in 1758. It remained in the Sawyer family until 1908 when it was sold, along with 14 acres of woodland, to the Merrimac Town Improvement Society. The house retains much of its original paneling, original upstairs windows and one original fireplace on the second floor. The two downstairs fireplaces were renovated in the mid-19th century. Furnishings and artifacts located in the home reflect the house’s First Period Colonial status.