Press Release  Recent Rainfall Improves Drought Conditions in Western Regions

BOSTON — Following several weeks of rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Western Region will be downgraded from Level 1-Mild Drought to Level 0-Normal conditions. However, a localized Level-1 Mild Drought has been declared in the Parker River Basin after a review of July conditions including data showing localized critically low flow conditions. All other areas in the Northeast region remain normal. A Level 1-Mild Drought, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, requires detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities. 

All other state regions – Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands – remain in Level 0-Normal conditions. 

During the past several months, low streamflow has been observed in the Parker River Basin in the Northeast region, with extremely low flows in July. The decision to declare the Parker River Basin a Level 1-Mild Drought was informed by recommendations and discussions by the Drought Management Task Force (DMTF), which is composed of state and federal officials, and other entities. Several factors are considered in determining whether there is a drought, such as precipitation, groundwater levels, streamflow, lakes and impoundments, evapotranspiration, and fire potential. During a mild drought, below-normal conditions are just setting in, and impacts are slowly starting to be seen across the area. The declaration will remain in effect until water levels return to normal conditions in this region. 

Those living and working within a Level 1 – Mild Drought region, including residents utilizing a private well, are asked to take the following actions: 

For Region 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 here). 

The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Monday, September 9 at 10:00 am. 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. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.  

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