Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Following below-normal precipitation levels in April, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper on May 8 announced that drought levels had been increased in several regions of the state.
The Central, Connecticut River Valley, Nantucket County, and Northeast regions are now at a Level 2: Significant Drought.
The Southeast and Western regions, along with Dukes County (Martha’s Vineyard), are now at Level 1: Mild Drought.
The Cape Cod region improved since last month to Level 1.
While recent rainfall has helped conditions, Tepper said the state is still experiencing low river and groundwater levels.
“As we move through the growing season, many communities have water restrictions in place,” Tepper said. “Using water wisely, both outdoors and indoors, can help reduce stress on our water systems.”
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.