Drought Conditions Across Commonwealth Return to Normal

Drought Conditions Across Commonwealth Return to Normal
Monitoring of Water Resources to Continue

BOSTON – With the Commonwealth experiencing above normal rainfall over the course of the previous month, all indices across Massachusetts have fully recovered. As a result, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today announced that conditions have returned to normal, and updated the drought levels throughout the state:

• Connecticut River Valley: Level 0 – Normal Condition levels (down from a Level 1 – Mild Drought in September); and,
• Western, Central, Northeast, Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands Regions: Level 0 – Normal Conditions levels (remains unchanged since October).

The declarations were the result of a recommendation issued from a recent meeting of the Drought Management Task Force, which is comprised of state and federal officials, and other entities. Additionally, the declaration of a Normal Condition means that the Drought Management Task Force no longer meets on a regular basis; however, state agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. Moreover, even though conditions have improved since the previous month, dry conditions continue to be observed within the Deerfield River Watershed.

“Throughout the last several weeks, Massachusetts has greatly benefited from above average precipitation, enabling water systems to reach normal conditions following several months of running a deficit,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “And although the state is not currently experiencing dry conditions, we should all continue to practice water conservation methods in an effort to not strain water supplies.”

Normal Condition levels, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, indicates precipitation and groundwater levels that have returned to normal, and warrants routine data collection and distribution amongst government agencies. 

State officials ask the public to be mindful of the amount of water being used, reduce indoor water use, and address leaks as soon as possible. Additionally, managers of larger buildings and businesses are asked to 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 are being met, such as drinking water and fire protection, and habitat and environmental use.

For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page, the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s drought management page, and the MassDEP Water Conservation page.