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Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Following below-normal precipitation in May, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announced on June 9 that drought levels were being raised in several regions of the state.
The Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions were elevated to Level 2: Significant Drought. The Connecticut River Valley and Central regions remain at Level 2 as well.
The Western region remains at Level 1: Mild Drought.
In late May, Tepper announced that the drought level in the Northeast region had increased to Level 3: Critical Drought, where it remains.
Precipitation in May was between 1.5 and 3 inches below normal for the state, with the Berkshires, the Southeast, and Cape Cod and the Islands experiencing the greatest deficits. Tepper said rainfall in many parts of the state has not been sufficient to replenish groundwater levels and stream flow.
“As we enter the summer months, it is important to be conscious of our water use by limiting outdoor watering to ensure water supplies remain available,” Tepper said.
The state’s drought status and resources are available online.
The state has also developed drought management and water conservation resources for individuals and municipalities to reduce strains on the water supply. Some immediate steps that communities can take include water restriction enforcement, establishing water-use reduction targets, and providing drought and water conservation information to residents and businesses.