Drought Status

Find out the current drought status in Massachusetts, learn about past droughts and find past drought declaration maps.

Table of Contents

Current Drought Status

Drought Status Map, February 7, 2025

February 7, 2025:

Following several weeks of below-normal precipitation, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Central and Northeast regions have been raised to a Level – 3 Critical Drought. The Southeast, Cape and Islands regions have been elevated to a Level – 2 Significant Drought. The Connecticut River Valley and Western regions still have their previous statuses: Level 2 – Significant and Level – 1 Mild Drought.

Over the past month, most of the state received between 1-2.5 inches of rain and snow, which is 1-13 inches below normal. Overall, most of the state has been in an 8-13 inch deficit since August. The Cape and Islands region is experiencing a 3.8-6 inch deficit in precipitation. 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 lagging. 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, Level – 2 Significant Drought, and a Level – 1 Mild Drought require detailed monitoring of drought conditions. These levels also require ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies to implement 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.

The Drought Management Task Force will meet next month and will update recommendations, as necessary.

Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within Level 1 – Mild Drought, Level 2 – Significant Drought, and Level 3 – Critical Drought Regions, 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:

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:

  • 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:

  • 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

Officials remind everyone to follow these outdoor fire prevention steps:

  • Remember that burning yard waste is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Even during open burning season, it always requires a permit and burning leaves is not allowed.
  • Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
  • Use caution with leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass.
  • Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash.
  • Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.

Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 1 – Mild Drought region.  

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

Immediate Steps for Communities:

  • 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:

  • 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.

For Region in Level 1 - Mild Drought

Residents and Businesses:

  • Minimize overall water use;
  • 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;

Communities:

  • 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 drought and water conservation information to local residents and businesses;
  • Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
  • Develop a local drought management plan (learn more here).

Past Droughts and Declaration

Drought History

The information in this Drought Status History dates to 2001, when the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan was developed in response to a period of deficient precipitation that began in 1999. The most severe drought of modern times was the drought of the 1960s, equivalent to a drought emergency. A less severe drought occurred in the early 1980s. 

The Commonwealth experienced another impactful drought in 2016-2017 with drought levels reaching Level 4 Drought (Warning) out of five levels of drought; the drought impacted the agricultural sector, some water supplies, the natural environment and many habitats and species. To read more about the drought, how it fared and the state responses and actions click here.

Past Drought Status Maps

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