波士頓華排協第三屆9人排球賽 波士頓A、B隊分奪中、青年組冠軍

波士頓A隊奪中年組冠軍，牌協會長伍達慈(後右二) 率隊員與道賀的紐英崙中華公所
主席雷國輝(前左一)合影。 (周菊子攝)

波士頓B隊奪青年組冠軍，和波士頓華人排球協會會長伍達慈(後右一)，紐英崙中華公所
主席雷國輝 (前右一)合影。 (周菊子攝)

中年組比賽成績。 (周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓華人排球協會第三屆9人排球邀請賽，來自紐約波士頓的10隊，8月7日分中年、青年2組，在黃述沾紀念公園麈戰一日後，依序由波士頓B隊及波士頓A隊奪冠。

              參加比賽的10隊，中年組有紐約龍旺，校聯，波士頓A，波士頓B，台山僑中，青年組有波士頓開平，紐約華體會，波士頓A，冲蔞聯盟，以及Hurricanes (颶風)等5隊。

青年組比賽成績。 (波士頓華人排球協會提供)

              每場比賽的各隊得分在8到23之間，累計每場贏隊得2分，敗隊得1分後，冠亞季軍依序中年組的波士頓B隊，紐約龍旺隊，以及校聯隊，青年組的波士頓A隊，Hurricanes，紐約華體會。

              根據維基百科，9人排球賽是1938年時，由來自麻州波士頓和羅德島州普域敦斯市 (Providence)的球隊，舉辦了第一場有組織的9人排球賽。此後這9人排球賽在美加兩國的各個中國城流行起來。

波士頓華人排球協會把贊助名單都製作成大橫幅，以示感謝。 (周菊子攝)

              1944年第一屆北美華人排球邀請賽在波士頓開打，早年還有每隊球員至少有三分之二必須是百分之百華人，其餘隊員必須是亞裔的規定。到2019年時，這比賽已辦至第75屆。

紐英崙中華公所雷國輝(左起)，波士頓台山人球隊支持者溫莎餅屋老闆雷洪活，波士頓
華人排球協會會長之一雷海等人，7月30日參加了再Everett市舉行的紀念黃述沾排球賽。
(周菊子攝)

創辦北美華人排球協會波士頓分會，現已辭世的黃述沾在2009年時向本刊表示，北美華人國際排球邀請賽起源於羅德島州，最初只是洗衣業、餐館業華人移民之間的小型社交活動，1939年舉辦了比賽，漸漸變成全美華人社區中最大型的體育活動，還在每年勞工節假期間，輪流到羅德島州的普域敦斯 (Providence)，麻州的波士頓市，紐約州的紐約市，華府 (D. C.) ，加州舊金山 (SF)，洛杉磯 (LA)，以及加拿大的多倫多 (Toronto)等地舉行。

波士頓華人排球協會會長伍達慈 (左)當裁判。 (周菊子攝)

              波士頓華人排球協會則是近年出現的組織，球員大都是台山人。現任會長伍達慈表示，該會現有會員約86人，年紀較長者，多半在餐飲、糕餅業工作，年輕一輩的子弟兵則來自各行各業。起初他們只是有一批人，工作之餘湊在一起打排球，既是消遣、聯誼，也是運動、健身，稱為「友聯排球隊」。漸漸的人越聚越多，如今正式定名為「波士頓華人排球協會」，有他和雷海、李健新等3名會長，另有8名隊長，分別代表端芬镇、斗山镇、大江镇、開平镇、都斛、冲蒌、三合，台城等8個鄉鎮。

              每週一，有空的人就會湊在一起，到黃述沾紀念公園打排球。7月30日，在雷海和溫莎餅屋老闆雷洪活率領下，有十幾、廿人組隊參加了在Everett市河畔公園舉行的第二屆紀念黃述沾排球賽。

              紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝指出，8月14日，中華公所將在夏利臣街 (Harrison)等波士頓華埠地區舉辦第52屆中秋節聯歡會。由於在中秋節聯歡會時舉辦排球賽已形成傳統，屆時在黃述沾紀念公園將由阮浩鑾再辦一場排球賽，參賽隊伍估計多為華裔第二，三代的竹笙隊。

9月勞工節將有在羅德島州普域敦斯市 (Providence)舉行的2022年北美華人排球邀請賽。 (圖片已於8月8日發佈)
                              

隊友為得分球員送上冷飲，搧風，以示獎勵。 (周菊子攝)

比賽一景。

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Final Guidelines for New Multifamily Zoning Requirement

Following extensive public outreach period, final guidelines outline how state will determine if an MBTA community is in compliance with Section 3A of M.G.L. c. 40A

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced final compliance guidelines for new Section 3A of M.G.L c. 40A, enacted as part of the economic development bill in January 2021, which requires that an MBTA community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multifamily housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria set forth in the statute. The final guidelines can be found here. “The multifamily zoning requirement is all about setting the table for more transit-oriented housing in the years and decades ahead—which is not just good housing policy, but good climate and transportation policy, too,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Department of Housing and Community Development, working closely with the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, communities, and stakeholders, took a thoughtful approach to developing compliance criteria for MBTA communities in accordance with the new law. Cities and towns are necessary partners if the Commonwealth is to confront our housing crisis, and through our guidelines and technical assistance, we can help communities achieve the goal of the multifamily zoning requirement to unlock new, transit-oriented housing units in Massachusetts.” In December 2021, the Department of Housing and Community Development released draft guidelines on the new multifamily zoning requirement for MBTA communities. From December 2021 to March 2022, the administration carried out a robust public comment and engagement process, including approximately 24 engagement sessions and inviting public comment through an online form that garnered nearly 400 public comments.   “We are proud to publish these guidelines today and partner with all MBTA Communities on planning for transit-oriented development. With proactive zoning and substantial resources, we have an opportunity to advance thousands of new housing units throughout the region and encourage welcoming, mixed-income communities, walkable neighborhoods, and increase public transit use,” said Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development Jennifer Maddox. “Massachusetts has incredible talent and programs across our state, quasi-public, and non-profit community development agencies to support housing production at the local level, and we look forward to working with communities, developers, and local organizations to meet our housing needs.” In total, 175 MBTA communities are subject to the new multifamily zoning requirement. MBTA communities must submit an action plan to the Department of Housing and Community Development by January 31, 2023, and achieve full compliance in accordance with the following timetable: Rapid Transit (12 communities): December 31, 2023 Commuter Rail (69 communities): December 31, 2024 Adjacent Community (59 communities): December 31, 2024 Adjacent Small Town (35 communities): December 31, 2025 As outlined in the law, noncompliant MBTA communities will not be eligible for funds from the following state resources: (1) the Housing Choice Initiative; (2) the Local Capital Projects Fund; or (3) the MassWorks Infrastructure Program. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), will provide technical assistance to further help communities comply with the requirement, including online tools and other important resources. As part of the final guidelines, the Commonwealth has created a multifamily unit capacity tool to enable the Commonwealth and affected communities determine the multifamily unit capacity in a proposed zoning district. The tool will provide a GIS land map for each municipality and calculate a zoning district’s multifamily unit capacity and gross density based on inputs provided by each community. "This new law is an opportunity for communities to think differently and plan better," said Massachusetts Housing Partnership Executive Director Clark Ziegler. "To that end, MHP will be providing resources, training and direct technical assistance designed to help local officials understand the law and use it to plan for new housing that will relieve pressure on rents and home prices, reduce traffic and help meet the Commonwealth’s climate goals." The Baker-Polito Administration has shown a deep commitment to increasing the production of housing across all income levels. Since 2015, the administration has invested more than $1.5 billion in the affordable housing ecosystem, resulting in the production and preservation of more than 24,000 housing units, including more than 21,000 affordable units. In 2018, Governor Baker signed the largest housing bond bill in Massachusetts history, committing more than $1.8 billion to the future of affordable housing production and preservation. The 2021 Economic Development Bill that created the multifamily zoning requirement for MBTA communities also included the Housing Choice zoning reforms to better enable municipalities to adopt certain zoning measures that promote housing by a simple majority vote.

聯邦參議員Ed Markey也支持Ayanna Pressley連任

Senator Ed Markey Endorses Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley for Re-Election to House of Representatives

Boston, August 10 - Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley announced that she has received the endorsement of U.S. Senator Ed Markey in her campaign for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. 

“I am grateful for Senator Markey’s support, and even more so for his friendship and partnership in Congress,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “The Senator has always carried with him an unyielding commitment to the people of Massachusetts, and I’m proud to have worked with him on issues of consequence to the residents of the Massachusetts 7th and communities across the Commonwealth. Senator Markey has stood out as a clarion voice in the Senate on environmental justice, transit justice, housing access and more, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside him.”

"Ayanna is a champion for people in the Massachusetts 7th, across our Commonwealth, and around the country,” said Senator Markey. “From advocating for fare-free public transit and environmental justice to essential criminal legal reforms and access to housing, I'm so glad to work side-by-side with Ayanna, in Washington and in the communities, we call home. Ayanna doesn't back down from the hard work necessary to make real, lasting progress, and together we will send her back to Congress with a renewed mandate to keep making bold, inclusive change."

Congresswoman Pressley made history in 2018 when she became the first woman of color elected to represent Massachusetts in the U.S. Congress, representing constituents in Boston, Somerville, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Randolph, and Milton. During her time in office, Congresswoman Pressley has introduced landmark legislation to combat the crisis of childhood trauma, codify the right to abortion and comprehensive reproductive care, abolish the federal death penalty, fix our broken clemency system, cancel student debt, and more. She serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Government Oversight and Reform, and she has led on issues ranging from expanding transit justice and ensuring an equitable public health response to COVID-19 to ending discriminatory credit practices and keeping families safely housed. 

So far in her campaign, Congresswoman Pressley has also earned the endorsement of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, along with the SEIU Massachusetts State Council, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Working Families Party, Democracy for America, Sunrise, Higher Heights, the League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, National Women’s Political Caucus, National Organization for Women (NOW), Progressive Turnout Project, Giffords PAC, Common Defense, and others. 

To learn more about Congresswoman Pressley’s leadership, please visit https://ayannapressley.com/. 

波士頓體育會和兒童醫院合作將一年辦5場社區路跑賽 每場限500人

 B.A.A. & Boston Children’s Hospital Establish Inaugural Community Race Series in Boston

 Boston Children’s Hospital Named Official Pediatric Care Hospital of the Boston Marathon

BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and Boston Children’s Hospital have announced a new multi-year sponsorship establishing a Community Race Series, bringing the thrill of road racing to a variety of areas in the City of Boston. The new Community Race Series will feature run/walk events for athletes of all ages and abilities at distances from one mile to 5K.

“Boston Children’s Hospital has long been a global leader in pediatric care, putting members of our community’s health first,” said Jack Fleming, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “We at the B.A.A. are eager to collaborate with Boston Children’s Hospital to increase the accessibility of running events, bringing them to various parts of our city. This new sponsorship will bring two iconic Boston organizations even closer together in an effort to further our shared vision of supporting healthy lifestyles in the Greater Boston Area.”

The B.A.A. will work with Boston Children’s Hospital to host as many as five races per calendar year, with the first Community Race to be held this fall. Each of the races will vary in distance from one mile to 5K, will be free of charge, and will host a maximum of 500 participants of all ages, with a primary focus on Greater Boston youth. Races will be held in a variety of city neighborhoods. 

“All of us at Boston Children’s are thrilled to be collaborating with the Boston Athletic Association to bring road races to children and families around the city,” said Dr. Shari Nethersole, Vice President of Community Health and Engagement at Boston Children’s Hospital. “Together, we look forward to making healthy activities accessible and fun for Bostonians of all backgrounds.”

The B.A.A. and Boston Children’s Hospital will also collaborate on creating a training curriculum designed to educate runners and walkers on maintaining healthy and active lifestyles. The training series will align with and compliment the Community Race Series, and will be led by Boston Children’s Hospital specialists and B.A.A. coaches.

 In addition to its sponsorship of the Community Race Series, Boston Children’s Hospital has been named the Official Pediatric Care Hospital of the Boston Marathon. Surrounding future Boston Marathons, Boston Children’s Hospital will include a team of athletes who will fundraise to support community initiatives. Boston Children’s Hospital will be part of many Boston Marathon weekend events and activities, including Boston Marathon Fan Fest and the B.A.A. Relay Challenge youth road race.

Boston Children’s Hospital is dedicated to improving and advancing the health and well-being of children around the world through its life-changing work in clinical care, biomedical research, medical education, and community engagement.

More information on the inaugural Community Race Series event will be announced in the near future.

The 127^th Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 17, 2023, featuring a field size of 30,000 participants. Registration for the 127^th Boston Marathon will take place over five days, September 12-16, 2022, within the B.A.A.’s online platform Athletes’ Village.

吳弭提議為波士頓市長、市議員加薪11%

波士頓市長吳弭8月8日出席聯邦參議員Ed Markey 的減碳氣候法案通過宣佈儀式。
(圖片來自推特)

               (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 波士頓市上一次調薪是2018年，加幅約4.2%。8月8日，去年11月中上任的波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 發信給波士頓市議會，提議為市府某些高層，以及市議員、市長加薪，加幅11%。

              一旦市議會通過，新的薪資額度將在相關的下一次選舉後施行。

              波士頓市長吳弭稱，市府的報酬顧問委員會 (Compensation Advisory Board)在過去幾個月間，檢視評估市府職位薪資，做出調薪建議。

              波士頓環球報指波士頓市從今年3月起，和德勤顧問公司 (Deloitte)合作，比較了波士頓市和17個麻州及全美城市的薪資幅度，建議照目前的薪資幅度加薪15%至30%。

              根據該建議，市長的薪資將從目前的20萬7千元調至23萬元，漲幅11%。市議員的薪資，也將從10萬3500元增至11萬5千元，增幅也是11%。

              吳弭市長建議把波士頓市消防局局長，警察局長的薪資幅度，從目前的20至25萬元，增為26至32萬5千元。

              波士頓市在聘請已就任的新消防局局長Paul F. Burke，以及預定8月15日上任的新警察局局長Michael Cox時，允諾給出的29萬元及30萬元薪資，已經比目前的薪資幅度高。

              波士頓市人民長 (Chief People Officer) Alex Lawrence指出，市府的調查發現，某些波士頓市高級職位的薪資和全美同儕城市相比，比十幾個城市的中位數低了6%到25%。

              波士頓市長吳弭的薪資調整提案，並未包括所有的市府員工，目前市府內薪資最低階層員工，例如年薪低於3萬7千元的一些工作人員，或是年薪在4萬5千元左右的市議會員工等，薪資不會立即受影響。

              市府還有許多員工，薪資是由工會每隔幾年和市府協商一次的合約決定。波士頓市教師工會就是上個月才協商通過新合約，3年加薪9.5%。

              波士頓市是全美排名第4的生活費最貴城市，波士頓市府已4年未調薪，加薪照說也很正常，波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn和希望加新提案也包括警衛及急救服務人員的市議員Frank Baker，都支持加新提案。

              不過波士頓前鋒報刊出一篇文章，稱吳弭和以前的市長並無太大分別，都以下次選舉後再施行作幌子，以示加薪不是自肥行動。但在整個波士頓市的中位薪資不過7萬6千元，大多數波士頓居民面對著物價暴漲壓力之際，這幅度高達11%的加薪計畫，提德有點時機不對。

麻州州長查理貝克和州議員們慶祝簽署通過保護墮胎法

              (Boston Orange) 麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 、副州長白莉朵 (Karen Polito)和麻州參眾議會議員們，今(9)日下午在州政府大樓內，舉行簽署儀式，慶祝麻州通過了保護婦女生育權法令。

              在聯邦最高法院推翻Roe v. Wade法案賦予婦女的保護後，麻州州長查理貝克先在6月25日發佈行政命令，7月29日再簽署通過麻州議會遞交的新法案，保障婦女在麻州生產、分娩或墮胎時，可享有醫療服務，也保障提供這些服務的醫護人員的安全。

              麻州正副州長和麻州參眾議會議長Karen Spilka 和 Ron Mariano，以及麻州健康及人民服務卿Marylou Sudders等許多人都參加了慶祝儀式。

              這新法令保護病人及醫療提供者在獲取及提供墮胎相關服務時，免於法律干擾，其中包括幾項查理貝克在6月25日所公佈行政命令的條文，也有麻州議會在7月26日時通過的新條文。

              新法令規定，在有關生育權，確認性別等在其他州可能受限的事務上，禁止麻州協助其他州的調查員，或相關法律程序。

              新法也規定名為「麻州健康 (MassHealth)」的麻州的醫療補助 (Medicaid)項目，承擔墮胎保險，讓醫藥師提供緊急避孕服務，並准許販售機出售避孕品。

              當需要保護病人性命，或身體及精神健康時，或當胎兒畸形程度致命，當診斷顯示胎兒無法在子宮外存活時，麻州目前准許24週以下的懷孕墮胎。

                           麻州天主教行動聯盟 (The Catholic Action League of Massachusetts)在7月底時譴責這新法。該聯盟執行主任C.J. Doyle表示，該新法是對宗教自由，以及對那些認為墮胎是奪取無辜人命者的廣泛攻擊。他說，” 這壓迫性法律會引出對第一修正案的憲法挑戰，越快越好” 。 (所有圖片來自推特)

 

麻州東南及康州河谷乾旱也升高至三級 當局籲民眾注意用水限制

 Drought Conditions Worsen in CT River Valley, Southeast, and Cape Cod Regions

Public is Asked to Continue to Practice Water Conservation Methods

 

 

BOSTON —  Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today declared the Connecticut River Valley and Southeast Regions will join the Northeast and Central Regions as a Level 3-Critical Drought. The Cape Cod Region will elevate to a Level 2-Significant Drought, and the Islands and Western Regions will remain at a Level 1-Mild Drought. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level-3 Critical Drought and a Level 2-Significant Drought calls for the convening of an inter-agency Mission Group, which has already began to meet, to more closely coordinate on drought assessments, impacts, and response within the government. Additionally, a Level 1-Mild Drought recommends detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities.

 

“With the majority of the state now experiencing a Level-3-Critical Drought, it is incredibly important that we all practice water conservation and adhere to local requirements and recommendations in order avoid over stressing our water resources,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “Efforts to minimize water usage now will help our water systems to rebound more quickly, and ensure that essential public health, safety and environmental needs continue to be met.”

 

“The continued dry, hot weather has increased drought-related hazards for much of Massachusetts including the risk for fires,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “We need the public to be especially careful during this time by adhering to local water use restrictions, and exercising caution around any outdoor activities that increase the risk of brush and forest fires such as barbecues, campfires, and safe disposal of smoking materials.”

 

The month of July 2022 experienced minimal precipitation and high temperatures throughout the state. Rainfall was the lowest across eastern Massachusetts, particularly within Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard reporting less than an inch of rain, less than 50% of normal precipitation. Within eastern Massachusetts, rainfall totals ranked within the top 15 driest Julys on record with Boston and the Blue Hills experiencing the 4^th driest. However, slightly higher rainfall totals occurred across much of central and western Massachusetts, ranging from 50 to 100 percent of normal, as well as on Nantucket. Totals ranged mostly between two and four inches, while some locations in the Springfield area and southern Berkshire County experienced higher totals of four to five inches.

 

Additionally, the Commonwealth is also experiencing decreasing levels in some reservoirs, dry streambeds, ponding, and diminished extent of streams in many watersheds leading to lack of flow, increased turbidity, higher water temperature, and increase in growth of plants and algae in the water. Groundwater, which is a slow reacting index, is starting to be impacted in many regions. Caution is also advised as fire activity has increased across the state as drought conditions have set in, and wildfires in remote areas with delayed response are now burning deep into the organic soil layers. Drought induced fire behavior can result in suppression challenges for fire resources and result in extended incidents so residents are asked to exercise caution while working with open flames, and to completely drown all campfires out cold.

 

The agricultural sector continues to also experience drought impacts, such as some depletion of water sources, and production acreage and are irrigating crops on a more consistent basis due to current precipitation deficits, high temperatures, and low soil moisture. Consumers are encouraged to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products at local farm stands and retail stores throughout the Commonwealth.

 

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan. Private wells, local streams, wetlands, vernal pools, and other water-dependent habitats located within MWRA-serviced areas are being impacted by drought conditions while water quality in ponds can deteriorate due to lowering of levels and stagnation.

 

Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 3 – Critical Drought, Level 2 – Significant Drought and Level 1 – Mild 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.
• Stop all non-essential outdoor watering.

Immediate Steps for Communities:

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought; Level 3 restriction calls for a ban on all nonessential outdoor water use.
• Provide timely information on the drought and on water conservation tips to local residents and businesses.
• Enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penalties.
• Strongly discourage or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools.
• Establish or enhance water-use reduction targets for all water users and 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.
• 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.

 

For Regions in Level 2 – Significant Drought

Residents and Businesses:

• Minimize overall water use;
• Limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m.
• Follow local water use restrictions, if more stringent.

 

Immediate Steps for Communities:

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought; Level 2 restriction calls for limiting outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m. If local restrictions are more stringent, continue to keep them in place during the course of the drought.
• Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools.
• Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and 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.
• Provide timely information to local residents and businesses.
• Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates.
• Check emergency inter-connections for water supply.
• Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.

 

For Regions in Level 1 – Mild Drought

Residents and Businesses:

• Toilets, faucets and showers are more than 60% of indoor use.  Make sure yours are WaterSense efficient.
• Limit outdoor watering to one day a week (only from 5:00 pm – 9:00 am), or less frequently if required by your water supplier

 

Immediate Steps for Communities:

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought.
• Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools.
• Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and 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.
• Provide timely information to local residents and businesses.
• Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates.
• Check emergency inter-connections for water supply.

• Develop a local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.

 

Practicing water conservation now 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 to sustain the Commonwealth’s water supplies in the long-term. State agencies will continue to monitor and assess current conditions and any associated environmental and agricultural impacts, 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. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including emergency connections and water supplies assistance.

 

“Under current drought conditions, it is critically important that all residents heed their water suppliers’ requests to cut back on nonessential water use,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “Cutting back on outdoor water use and following local conservation requirements will help sustain our water sources until precipitation rates can rebound.”

 

The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at 10:00AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, please visit EEA’s drought page and water conservation page. To get the most up-to-date information on the drought indices, go to the state’s drought dashboard page.