The day Seabrook officials removed the outdoor water ban that had been in effect for years, consumption increased by 400,000 gallons, according to Water Superintendent Curtis Slayton. Thankfully, he added, things didn't stay that way. Within 24 hours, water usage in town got back to normal, he said.

Since then, he said, with all the rain, residents and businesses haven't had to water their lawns or gardens, so total usage is back to about 1.5 million gallons.

Selectman Brendan Kelly was pleased to find the long-unused automatic lawn sprinklers he installed eight years ago are working again, he said, but they've only come on once in the past two weeks because of rainy weather.

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The Planning Board earned the highest score on its master plan grant application that was sent to the state Office of Energy and Planning, according to Selectman Bob Moore.

The result is the town will be receive almost $20,000 to research and complete its master plan. The plan will establish the way the town will deal with growth and expanding needs over the next 10 years.

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The Police Department has also received grants recently. More than $2,000 from the New Hampshire Standards and Training Council reimbursed the department for the cost of sending two officers to seminars.

In addition, $700 in private donations from local businesses helped pay the costs to refit one of the cruisers for K-9 officer JJ. Money was donated by Seabrook Poker, Honey Dew Donut and Two-Guys Smoke Shop.

K-9 officer JJ is a drug detecting and rescue dog that works with his partner, officer Adam Laurant.

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Selectmen have re-established a citizens committee — the Seabrook Cable Television Advisory Committee — to help with negotiations concerning the new franchise agreement with Comcast Cable Co.

Seabrook's current contract with Comcast is expiring and new discussions will begin soon.

Needed are at least three and not more than seven volunteers to staff the committee, along with other officials. Those considering volunteering should send a letter of interest to the selectmen, care of Town Hall.

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A new chairman was recently chosen for the Budget Committee. Don Hawkins, who was elected to the Budget Committee in March, will assume the role as chairman. Hawkins was also elected to the Planning Board in March.

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It may only be the beginning of August, but parents of Seabrook schoolchildren have important dates ahead.

r New student registration will take place Monday, Aug. 11 and Wednesday, Aug. 13. Needed for registration is proof of residency, immunization and medical exam, as well as the child's birth certificate.

For more information, call Robin Casassa at 603-474-3822.

r Seabrook Elementary School will welcome students back with an Open House and Welcome Back Ice Cream Social on Monday, Aug. 25. From 5 to 5:30 p.m., students in grades one through four can meet with teachers and visit classrooms.

Ice cream sundaes will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the elementary school.

r Opening day for all student will be Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Angeljean Chiaramida covers Seabrook for The Daily News. She can be reached at 978-462-6666, ext. 3271 or by e-mail at achiaramida@newburyportnews. com.