The last time the city entered critical drought restrictions was in July 2024, when the Manchester Reservoir lost 7 feet of water over seven weeks amid drought conditions. Critical restrictions remained in effect for months afterward.
Initially, officials believed the drought caused the severe water loss. It was later determined the loss stemmed from a valve connecting Orr’s Pond and Manchester Reservoir — Attleboro’s two main drinking water sources — that had been left open longer and wider than it should have been. The valve was open for nearly two months.