Drought Persists Across State
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BOSTON – A Level 3-Critical Drought declaration remains in the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Southeast, Central and Northeast regions.
As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 3-Critical Drought and a Level-1 Mild Drought requires detailed monitoring of drought conditions, continued coordination among state and federal agencies to communicate the implementation of water use restrictions, engagement with municipalities including local Board’s of Health, providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities. The Drought Management Task Force will meet monthly to ensure responsive oversight of the drought.
"Recent rain is a step in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go to improve streamflow and
local water supplies," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "We must all do our part to avoid overstressing water systems. It’s important for everyone to continue following local water restrictions and practicing water conservation to secure our essential needs like drinking water, fire suppression, and wildlife habitats."
Over the past month, most of the state received between 2 to 4 inches of rain, which is 1.5 to 3.5 inches below normal. The Cape and Islands saw the biggest drop. In recent months, many areas recorded their lowest rainfall ever for this time of the year. Since August, when dry conditions began, the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Southeast, Central and Northeast regions have seen an 8 to 11 inch rainfall deficit while the Cape and Islands are seeing a 3 to 5 inch deficit.
Although the recent rains have helped, streamflow continues to be extremely low across most of the regions. This has resulted in dry brooks and streambeds, impacts to aquatic habitat and species, increased ponding in streams, exposed beaches and sediments, limited fish passage, and drying ponds. Furthermore, groundwater levels continue to fall in all regions, with the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, and Northeast regions showing the largest drops. Residents can report dry environmental conditions they are experiencing and submit photos to support state drought monitoring efforts here.
Wildfire activity steadily increased to historic levels beginning in early October driven by rapidly increasing
drought indices, above average temperatures and repeated wind events. However, a return to a more seasonable weather pattern last week with measurable precipitation, including snow cover, and colder temperatures have significantly lowered daily fire risk. Due to recent precipitation, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has lifted the temporary ban on all open flame and charcoal fires across the Massachusetts State Parks System.
Although conditions have improved, the state encourages residents to remain vigilant. About 200 cities and towns have implemented temporary restrictions on all outdoor burning: residents are encouraged to follow local and state guidance on any activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, or other ignition sources outdoors.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including assistance on use of emergency connections and water supplies.
It is important to note that the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan. However, private well users and other sources of water within the same river basins are impacted by drought conditions. All sources of water, regardless of their location or type of withdrawal, ultimately draw from the same river basin. This means that the water in private wells often
originates from the same source as the public water supply in that basin. During this critical drought and with decreasing groundwater levels, water levels in private wells can also decline and those on private wells are also strongly urged to conserve water as outlined below.
Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 3 – Critical Drought region, 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 3 – Critical Drought
Residents and Businesses:
- Minimize overall water use
- Follow state water conservation actions and any local water use restrictions
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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.
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Fix any toilet or faucet leaks immediately. Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by:
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Checking water meters for constant dial movement
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Using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks
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Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas
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Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes. Run the dishwasher only on a full load
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Aggressively reduce indoor water use by:
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Reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer
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Running washing machines only on a full load
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Not letting water run while brushing and shaving
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Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones. Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are WaterSense labeled?
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Stop all non-essential water use
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Be extra cautious with outdoor fires, grills, and flammable materials
Immediate Steps for Communities/Municipalities:
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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.
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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 (unless required as part of mandatory decontamination)
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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:
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Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials
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Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates
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Prepare to activate emergency inter-connections for water supply
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Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan
Officials remind everyone to follow these outdoor fire prevention steps:
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Remember that burning yard waste is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Even during open burning season, it always requires a permit and burning leaves is not allowed.
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Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
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Use caution with leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass.
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Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash.
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Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.
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