Critical Drought Persists Across Massachusetts

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”

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. 

"With the recent precipitation the immediate risk of wildfires has decreased significantly, but the state remains in a critical drought and residents should continue to practice responsible water conservation," said Department of Conservation and Recreation Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino. "As dry conditions persist, we encourage everyone to exercise caution, follow local fire restrictions, ensure all fires are properly extinguished, and remember even a small spark can ignite a fire especially if warm temperatures return with no snow cover." 

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 

• Minimize overall water use  
• Follow state water conservation actions and any local water use restrictions 
• 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. 
• Fix any toilet or faucet leaks immediately. Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by: 
• Checking water meters for constant dial movement 
• Using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks 
• Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas 
• Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes. Run the dishwasher only on a full load 
• Aggressively reduce indoor water use by:  
• Reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer 
• Running washing machines only on a full load  
• Not letting water run while brushing and shaving  
• Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones. Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are WaterSense labeled  
• Stop all non-essential water use 
• Be extra cautious with outdoor fires, grills, and flammable materials 

• 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 
• 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)
• Establish or enhance water-use reduction targets for all water users, identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use  

• Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials 
• Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates 
• Prepare to activate emergency inter-connections for water supply 
• Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan  

• 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. 
• Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.  
• Use caution with leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass.  
• 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.  
• 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.  
• Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 1 – Mild Drought region.   

• Minimize overall water use;  
• 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;  

• 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 local residents and businesses;  
• Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and  
• Develop a local drought management plan (learn more here).  

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 Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.