Current Drought Status
*The drought levels shown in the map above are in effect until the next drought declaration
January 12, 2026:
Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared that the Central and Northeast Regions have worsened to a Level 2–Significant Drought. Conditions also declined in nearly all other regions, moving the Southeast Region to a Level–1 Mild Drought and the Millers River Basin to a Level 3-Critical Drought. In the Islands Region, Dukes County has returned to Normal Conditions and Nantucket County has moved to a Level 3–Critical Drought. Conditions remain unchanged in the Western, Connecticut River Valley, and Cape Cod Regions.
During December, Massachusetts received rainfall ranging from 3 to 4 inches, but the month ended with totals at 1-2 inches below normal. When looking back over the past 3 to 6 months, precipitation deficits still persist. The forecasted rainfall is anticipated to bring near normal precipitation through the end of the month.
The current drought, which began in 2024, has continued to have significant impacts on the natural environment, including the drying of streams in nearly all regions, lower water levels in lakes and ponds, and impeding fish passage out to the ocean.
As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, continued detailed monitoring of drought conditions must continue. The drought levels also require ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies to implement drought response actions. Additionally, engagement with municipalities, including local Boards of Health (BOH), is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities. Residents are asked to report to their local BOH in case of wells drying up; BOHs are asked to report here on the condition of local private wells.
Residents can report dry environmental conditions and submit photos to help monitor the situation on the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter (here). Additionally, a FAQ is now available for questions regarding the current drought status and water conservation; and private well owners can go here for information on how the drought may impact them.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to assist communities in managing their water systems. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions.
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 DMTF will meet again on February 10th at 9:30 AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.
Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 1–Mild Drought, Level 2–Significant Drought, Level 3-Critical Drought including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are strongly urged to check with their local water system in case more stringent watering restrictions are in place. Many systems may have other more severe local conditions and constraints on water supply.
For Regions 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
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 Regions in Level 2 – Significant Drought
Residents and Businesses:
- Minimize overall 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; and,
- For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.
Immediate Steps forCommunities/Municipalities:
- Limit or prohibit washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; and,
- 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 states 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; and,
- Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.
For Regions in Level 1 – Mild Drought
Residents and Businesses:
- Minimize overall water use;
- For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities;
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 drought and water conservation information to residents and businesses;
- Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and,
- Develop a local drought management plan (click Drought Planning Guidance to learn more).
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. Read more about the drought, how it fared and the state responses and actions.