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 Critical Drought Declared Across Massachusetts 

Most of Massachusetts now in a Level 3-Critical Drought, except for Cape and Islands Regions 

BOSTON – With precipitation at an unprecedented low over the last three months, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper today elevated the Western, Connecticut River Valley, and Southeast regions to a Level 3 - Critical Drought. A Level 3 - Critical Drought persists in the Central and Northeast regions. The Cape and Islands regions remain at a Level 0 - Normal condition. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 3 - Critical Drought requires detailed monitoring of drought conditions, continued coordination among state and federal agencies to communicate the implementation of water use restrictions, declaration of bans on open burning, 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 biweekly in the coming months to ensure responsive oversight of the drought.  

“Massachusetts is experiencing critical drought conditions that are fueling unprecedented and destructive wildfires across the state,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Climate change is reshaping our region’s weather patterns, resulting in warmer and drier fall and winter seasons. Water conservation is more important than ever. We urge municipalities, residents, and businesses - including those with private wells - to help us reduce stress on our water systems. We need to work together to ensure we have enough clean drinking water, protect wildlife habitats, and maintain effective fire control. Every small effort counts.”  

“As drought conditions intensify, MEMA continues to work with our partners on the Drought Management Task Force and with those coordinating the ongoing response to wildfires,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Dawn Brantley. “This is not your normal fire season, but everyone can help protect your family, your home, your community, and the responders on the front lines by avoiding anything that could create a spark or ember outdoors.”  

Over the past 30 days, most of the state received less than an inch of rain, which is 3 to 4.5 inches below normal. Many areas recorded their lowest rainfall ever for this time of the year. Since August, when dry conditions began, all regions except the Cape and the Islands have seen an 8 to 11 inch rainfall deficit.   

Streamflow has also sharply decreased, especially in the Central region. This has resulted in dry brooks and streambeds, increased ponding, exposed beaches and sediments, limited fish passage, and drying ponds. Furthermore, groundwater levels are falling quickly 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.  

Fire activity has increased across the state because of drought conditions, leading to wildfires that are burning deeper into the soil. Due to fire conditions, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has implemented a temporary ban of all open flame and charcoal fires within state park properties. Small portable propane grills are still allowed at campgrounds and recreation areas where grilling is permitted. This situation can make it harder to control fires and may prolong fire incidents. 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.  

Currently, there are approximately 37 active wildfires across the state. This year’s fire season has lasted longer because of dry conditions. Hundreds of wildfires have broken out across the state since October 1, burning more land than Massachusetts usually sees in an entire year. As firefighting efforts demand significant water resources, it's crucial for residents to practice aggressive indoor water conservation to maintain sufficient supply and pressure in public water systems.   

“About 200 cities and towns have implemented local bans on any outdoor fires under Section 10.10.2 of the State Fire Code,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “We’re reminding all residents to follow the state and municipal guidance on fire protection because in the current drought conditions any outdoor fire is likely to catch, spread, and threaten people and property. Every firefighter battling a preventable wildfire is one who can’t respond to a house fire, car crash, or medical emergency.”  

"The combination of drought conditions and dry fuel conditions means that we continue to be at high risk of wildfires across Massachusetts. We urge everyone to exercise caution and remember, even a small spark can ignite a larger fire in these conditions," said Department of Conservation and Recreation Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino. "We all have a role to play in reducing the risk of new fires by following local fire restrictions and practicing responsible water conservation to ensure firefighters across the state have the resources we need to combat these fires."     

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities in managing systems, including assistance on the 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 MWRA serviced communities 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 
• 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  

Immediate Steps for Communities: 

• 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 
• 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: 

• 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   

Officials remind everyone to follow these outdoor fire prevention steps: 

• 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 lawnmowers, 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.   

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 Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.