March 7, 2025:
Following nearly seven months of below-normal precipitation, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared theConnecticut River Valley region has been raised to a Level – 3 Critical Drought. The Western region has been raised to a Level – 2 Significant Drought. Critical and Significant drought conditions persist in all other regions across the state.
Over the past month, most of the state received between 2-4 inches of rain and snow which is 1-1.5 inches below normal. The data collected by the Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) reflects the observations made from the start of the drying conditions in August 2024 through the end of February. Overall, most of the state is in an 8-13 inches deficit since August, with the Cape and Islands at 5-8 inches deficit. Despite temporary surges in streamflow from recent precipitation events, streamflow and groundwater have worsened in nearly all regions, and recharge that typically occurs at this time of the year to reservoirs and groundwater is diminished. The presence of ice in the streams continues to prevent computations of streamflow at several gages in the western part of the state. Where we have streamflow data, streamflow conditions were mainly below to much below normal across the State, except a few locations in the southeast region. Residents can report dry environmental conditions they are experiencing and submit photos to support state drought monitoring efforts here.
As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 3 – Critical Drought, and a Level – 2 Significant Drought require detailed monitoring of drought conditions. These levels also require ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies to implement drought response actions such as water use restrictions. Additionally, engagement with municipalities, including local Boards of Health, is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities.
Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 3 – Critical Drought and Level 2 – Significant Drought including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are also asked to check with their local water system in case more stringent watering restrictions are in place.
State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help federal, state, and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Tuesday, April 8 at 10:00 AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.
For Region in Level 3 – Critical Drought
Residents and Businesses:
- Minimize overall water use
- Follow state water conservation actions and any local water use restrictions
- Monitor total household water use shown on your water bill for sudden increases, which often indicate leaks. Use the MA Home Water Use Calculator tool to evaluate household water use.
- Fix any toilet or faucet leaks immediately. Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by:
- Checking water meters for constant dial movement
- Using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks
- Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas
- Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes. Run the dishwasher only on a full load
- Aggressively reduce indoor water use by:
- Reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer
- Running washing machines only on a full load
- Not letting water run while brushing and shaving
- Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones. Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are WaterSense labeled
- Stop all non-essential water use
- Be extra cautious with outdoor fires, grills, and flammable materials
Immediate Steps for Communities/Municipalities:
- Provide timely information on the drought and on water conservation tips to local residents and businesses taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials
- Enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penalties
- Strongly discourage or prohibit washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing
- Establish or enhance water-use reduction targets for all water users, identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use
Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities/Municipalities:
- Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials
- Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates
- Prepare to activate emergency inter-connections for water supply
- Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan
For Region in Level 2 - Significant Drought
Residents and Businesses:
- Minimize overall water use and be particularly mindful of indoor water use.
- Follow local water use restrictions
- Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use;
- For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.
Immediate Steps for Communities/Municipalities:
- Limit or prohibit washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing.
- Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users, identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.
Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities/Municipalities:
- Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials.
- Provide timely information to local residents and businesses.
- Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates.
- Check emergency inter-connections for water supply.
- Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.
