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Drought Status

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

Drought Status Map June 10, 2025

*The drought levels shown in the map above are in effect until the next drought declaration

June 10, 2025:

Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Southeast Region has been downgraded to Level 0 – Normal Conditions, joining the Connecticut River Valley, Western, Central, and Northeast Regions. The Islands Region remains at Level 1 – Mild Drought, while the Cape Cod Region continues at Level 2 – Significant Drought.

During May, most of Massachusetts experienced above average precipitation. Several regions experienced rainfall amounts of 6 to 10 inches, exceeding normal levels by 2 to 6 inches. The Cape and Islands received less rainfall than the rest of the state - in the 3 to 6-inch range. Over the past three months, precipitation has been well above normal with recent rain improving streamflow and reducing fire risk across the state. However, drought conditions since last August continue to affect groundwater levels, which typically take longer to recover. Although some regions have recovered at the regional scale, there may be localized deficits in groundwater levels in a few areas that will take more time for full recovery.  

State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state. The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Wednesday, July 9 at 10:00 am. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages. Residents can report dry environmental conditions and submit photos to help monitor the situation survey here. An FAQ is also available for questions regarding the current drought status and water conservation.  

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

For Regions in Level 1 – Mild Drought

Residents and Businesses:

  • Minimize overall water use;
  • Limit outdoor watering to one day per week from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM, or less frequently if required by your water supplier;
  • Plant only local and drought-resistant species;
  • 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;
  • Minimize lawn sizes; and,
  • Harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.

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

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.

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

Additional Resources

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