BOSTON — Mild drought conditions have been declared for Cape Cod and western Massachusetts, and state officials are urging residents in those regions to conserve water.
The Level 1-Mild Drought status for these regions were announced on Tuesday after more than two months of below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures, state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a statement.
All other regions of the state – Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Southeast, and Islands regions – remain in Level 0-Normal conditions, Tepper said.
A Level 1-Mild Drought “warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities,” officials said.
“With much of the state experiencing sporadic rainfall and higher temperatures, it’s important that we all work together to conserve water,” said Tepper. “We’re continuing to monitor conditions and any potential strains on our water systems. We ask that residents and businesses be mindful of water usage during the growing and recreational season.”
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Acting Director Dawn Brantley urged residents to be more cautious around flames with the drier-than-average conditions.
“While the Commonwealth has experienced some recent beneficial rainfall, the last 60 days have been overall slightly drier than average,” said Brantley. “Dry conditions increase the threat of brush and wildland fires, as Massachusetts saw during last year’s extended drought and widespread brush fires, so it’s especially important during the summer months to exercise caution with any open flames during outdoor activities.”
During the past several months, Massachusetts has experienced irregular rainfall events; however, state officials anticipate improvements in these areas based on rains this week.
The Drought Management Task Force, composed of state and federal officials and other entities, decided to declare the mild drought status on Cape Cod and western Massachusetts after meeting on Thursday, officials said.
The declaration will remain in effect until water levels return to normal conditions in those regions, officials said, adding that the Drought Management Task Force will meet again on July 6, 2023 to assess conditions.
“While rain has been plentiful this spring in many areas of the state, that has not been the case in the western region or on the Cape,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Now is the time to implement sound conservation measures to manage water demands and help minimize larger problems later in the summer should dry conditions continue.”
State officials encouraged anyone living or working on Cape Cod and western Massachusetts during the mild drought, including residents using a private well, to take the following actions:
- Minimize overall water use;
- Harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.
- Limit outdoor watering to one day per week from 5 p.m. to 9 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.
“All these steps will greatly help reduce water use to ensure essential needs, such as drinking water and fire protection, are being met, habitats have enough water to support their natural functions, and sustain the Commonwealth’s water supplies,” officials said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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