Press Release  Drought Conditions Improve Across Massachusetts

BOSTON — Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Central Region has returned to normal conditions. The Connecticut River Valley and Northeast Regions have improved to a Level-1 Mild Drought, while the Western Region and Dukes County remain at normal conditions. 

 Regions in current drought levels are:

• Level 2 – Significant Drought: Cape Cod and Nantucket County
• Level 1 – Mild Drought: Connecticut River Valley, Northeast and Southeast

“The rain we saw this summer is helping, and we’re encouraged to see conditions improve across the state,” said Secretary Tepper. “The Central Region has returned to normal conditions, but some areas are still dry, especially Cape Cod and Nantucket. We need more steady rain over the long-term, and we’re asking everyone across the state to conserve water and to help protect local water supplies and ensure enough water for fire protection.”  

Following a wet July, August was drier than normal, with 1.5 to 4 inches of rain across Massachusetts. Essex, Suffolk, Berkshire, Barnstable and Nantucket counties saw some of the lowest rainfall totals.

Overall, rainfall from June through August was near or above normal across much of the state. However, longer-term rainfall deficits remain in many parts of the state.

The Drought Management Task Force will continue monitoring conditions over the coming weeks to determine whether the recent rain will lead to lasting improvements.

As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, communities in Level 2 – Significant Drought and Level 1 – Mild Drought should continue taking steps to conserve water. Although the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, Quabbin reservoir levels are below normal, and it’s important for residents and businesses served by the MWRA to conserve water.

State agencies continue coordinating drought response efforts with federal and local partners, including municipal officials and local Boards of Health (BOH). Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is providing technical assistance and outreach to communities affected by drought conditions.

Residents are encouraged to report dry environmental conditions and upload photos through the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter to help the state monitor drought impacts in real time. Private well owners experiencing problems such as dry wells should contact their local Boards of Health, which are also asked to report local well conditions to the state.

Additional information, including drought FAQs, water conservation guidance, and resources for private well owners, is available online.

Below are actions communities and individuals living and working within Level 2 – Significant Drought and Level 1 – Mild Drought Regions can take, including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to check with their local water system for any additional restrictions, as some communities may face more severe local water supply conditions.

For Regions in Level 2 – Significant Drought  

Residents and Businesses: 

• Minimize overall water use; 
• For any outdoor water use, limit 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; 
• 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 for Local Governments: 

• 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 Local Governments: 

• 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; and, 
• Develop or refine a 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;
• Limit outdoor watering to one day per week from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., 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,
• Consider installing a rain barrel to harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.
   

Communinities/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 or refine a local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.  

The DMTF will meet again on October 8th at 9:30 AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.  

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