BOSTON – Mild drought conditions have been declared for Cape Cod and western Massachusetts, and state officials are urging residents in those regions to conserve water.
The Level 1 mild drought condition for those regions was announced Tuesday after more than two months of below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures, state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said , in a statement.
All other regions of the state — Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Southeast and Island regions — remain at Level 0 normal conditions, Tepper said.
A Level 1 mild drought “warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination between state and federal agencies, and technical assistance and assistance to affected municipalities,” officials said.
“With much of the state experiencing sporadic rainfall and warmer temperatures, it’s important that we all work together to conserve water,” Tepper said. “We continue to monitor conditions and any potential stress on our water systems. We ask that residents and businesses be mindful of their water use during the growing and recreational season.”
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Acting Director Dawn Brantley urged residents to be more cautious of the flames with drier-than-average conditions.
“While the Commonwealth has experienced some recent beneficial rainfall, the past 60 days have generally been slightly drier than average,” Brantley said. “Dry conditions increase the threat of wildfires and wildfires, as Massachusetts saw during last year’s extended drought and widespread wildfires, so it’s especially important during the summer months to be cautious about open flames during outdoor activities.”
Over the past few months, Massachusetts has experienced irregular rainfall events; however, state officials anticipate improvements in those areas based on rain this week.
The Drought Management Task Force, made up of state and federal officials and other entities, decided to declare a mild drought condition for Cape Cod and western Massachusetts after meeting Thursday, officials said.
The declaration will remain in effect until water levels return to normal conditions in those regions, officials said, adding that the Drought Management Working Group will meet again on July 6, 2023 to assess the conditions.
“While rainfall has been plentiful this spring in many areas of the state, that has not been the case in the Western Region or the Cape,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Now is the time to implement strong conservation measures to manage water demands and help minimize bigger problems later in the summer if dry conditions continue.”
State officials encouraged anyone living or working on Cape Cod and western Massachusetts during the mild drought, including residents using a private well, to take the following actions:
Minimize overall water use; Collect rainwater to water outside. Limit outdoor watering to one day per week from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., or less frequently if required by your water supplier; Plant only native, drought-resistant species; Fix indoor leaks, such as in toilets, faucets and showers, which account for more than 60 percent of indoor use; For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leakage and potential water conservation opportunities.
“All these steps will go a long way in reducing water use to ensure essential needs such as drinking water and fire protection are met, habitats have enough water to support their natural functions and maintain Commonwealth water supplies,” officials said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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