Drought Management in Massachusetts

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

March 9, 2026:

Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared worsened drought conditions in several regions of Massachusetts due to limited groundwater recharge this winter. The Central and Northeast Regions are now in a Level 3-Critical Drought. The Connecticut River Valley has moved to a Level 2-Significant Drought, and the Western Region is now in a Level 1- Mild Drought. Conditions slightly improved in Nantucket County, which is now at a Level 2-Significant Drought. The Southeast and Cape Cod Regions and Dukes County remain unchanged.

Although Massachusetts received up to three feet of snow in February, that snowfall has not yet helped improve drought conditions. Most of that water is still locked in snow because February temperatures stayed well below freezing; the ground was also frozen. Even when it melts, the three feet of snow equals only about two and a half inches of water, which is not enough to fully recharge rivers, lakes, ponds, and groundwater after months of below-average precipitation and overall substantial water deficits. The above-normal temperatures that Massachusetts is now experiencing and the upcoming rains will start to slowly replenish water systems and be reflected in monthly totals for the month of March.

As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, detailed monitoring of drought conditions must continue. The drought 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 (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 if 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.

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:
  • Taking showers and avoiding baths
  • 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). 

The actions below apply to all outdoor water users and represent one of the most effective ways to minimize the impacts of drought on water supply and the environment.

*Essential uses are defined by MassDEP as uses required: a) for health or safety reasons; b) by regulation; c) for the production of food and fiber; d) for the maintenance of livestock; or e) to meet the core functions of a business.  Nonessential uses are those other than essential uses.

Steps You Can Take to Conserve Water at Each Drought Level:

The Conserve MA Water site is loaded with water conservation tools, tips, and information for residents, businesses, local communities, farmers, and more.

Level 1 – Mild Drought

Residents and Businesses:

• Toilets, faucets and showers are more than 60% of indoor use.  Make sure yours are WaterSense efficient.
• Limit outdoor watering to one day a week (only from 5:00 pm – 9:00 am), or less frequently if required by your water supplier

Immediate Steps for Communities:

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought.
• Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools, hot tubs, and backyard informal rinks.
• Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and 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.
• 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 a local drought management plan.

Level 2 – Significant Drought

Residents and Businesses:

• Minimize overall water use;
• Limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m.
• Follow local water use restrictions, if more stringent.

Immediate Steps for Communities:

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought; Level 2 restriction calls for limiting outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m. If local restrictions are more stringent, continue to keep them in place during the course of the drought.
• Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools, hot tubs, and backyard informal rinks.
• Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and 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.
• 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.

Level 3 – Critical Drought

Residents and Businesses:

• Minimize overall water use.
• Stop all non-essential outdoor watering.

Immediate Steps for Communities:

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought; Level 3 restriction calls for a ban on all nonessential outdoor water use.
• Provide timely information on the drought and on water conservation tips to local residents and businesses.
• Enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penalties.
• Strongly discourage or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools, hot tubs, and backyard informal rinks.
• Establish or enhance water-use reduction targets for all water users and 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.
• 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.

The secretary of EOEEA sends regular press releases during times of drought to update stakeholders on current conditions statewide. It can be useful to review these press releases in order to get a summary of how drought conditions are being evaluated and  managed at a given time in Massachusetts. View archived and most recent drought-related press releases at the links below.

• 2/13/2023 - Drought Conditions Return to Normal Across Commonwealth 
• 1/13/2023 - Majority of the Commonwealth Experiences Improved Drought Conditions