MassDEP has notified City officials that as of July 21, 2022, there is a mandatory restriction in place for nonessential outdoor water use due to a Level 3 -severe drought conditions.
For Region in Level 3 - Significant Drought-
As the summer continues and low precipitation couples with high temperatures, it is incredibly important that outdoor watering be limited, coupled with the planting of drought tolerant plants to further reduce the strain on local water systems. Drought-like conditions can also be detrimental to delicate habitats and ecosystems, and can directly impact outdoor recreational opportunities. EEA urges residents and businesses to continue to be extremely mindful of their overall water use, select only native and drought resistant plants for new plantings, and particularly in Level 3 – Critical drought areas to halt all non-essential water use.
July 21, 2022: With the majority of the state currently experiencing elevated temperatures and forecasts predicting little to no meaningful precipitation, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today declared a Level 3-Critical Drought in the Northeast and Central Regions of the state. The Southeast, and Connecticut River Valley Regions will remain at a Level 2-Significant Drought, and the Cape Cod Region will join the Islands and Western Regions at Level 1-Mild Drought.
To learn which drought region your city or town falls into, go to https://www.mass.gov/service-details/drought-regions.
Outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, 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, and; a Level-3 Critical Drought and Level 2-Significant Drought call for the convening of an inter-agency Mission Group, which has already been convened, to more closely coordinate on drought assessments, impacts and response within the government. The declarations were the result of recommendations made by the state’s Drought Management Task Force, which is composed of state and federal officials, and other entities. The taskforce will continue to meet until water levels return to normal in the affected regions.