Press Release  Significant Drought Conditions Declared in Cape Cod Region

BOSTON — Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Cape Cod Region has been upgraded to a Level 2 - Significant Drought from a Level 1 – Mild Drought last month. The Southeast, Connecticut River Valley, Western, Central, and Northeast Regions remain at Normal Conditions, although conditions are starting to dry all across the state. Nantucket County is currently at a Level 1 – Mild Drought, while Dukes County remains at Normal Conditions within the Islands Regions. 

Drought is a look back on conditions over a period of time. July was notably warm in Massachusetts, with average temperatures 2 to 5 degrees above normal. Precipitation levels vary in the state, with some areas getting above-normal rainfall amounts, while areas north of I-90, and the Northeast, Southeast, Cape Cod, and the Islands Regions have seen below-average rainfall. Regions that are currently not in a drought are starting to see some indices impacted by the low precipitation. More precipitation is needed to improve hydrological systems, especially groundwater and fire danger indices, in areas that are lagging.  

Observed groundwater levels have begun to decline once more in the Cape Cod Region. Due to a lack of precipitation and prolonged higher temperatures, the risk for outdoor fires has elevated. These weather conditions have resulted in drier soil and reduced water levels in rivers, streams, and ponds, which have impacted fish passage, particularly in the Cape Region. 

As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 1 – Mild Drought and a Level 2 –  Significant Drought require detailed monitoring of drought conditions. These 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, is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities. 

The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected and analyzed data from August 2024 through July 2025. Residents can report dry environmental conditions and submit photos to help monitor the situation here. Additionally, a FAQ is now available for questions regarding the current drought status and water conservation.  

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 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 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,
• Harvest rainwater for outdoor watering. 

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 (learn more here). 

For Regions in 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;
• 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 Communities/Municipalities: 

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for Drought Level 2 which 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 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 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 your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.  

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 Monday, September 8 at 10:00 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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