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Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Following several months of above-average precipitation, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper yesterday announced that drought conditions have improved in Massachusetts, with four of the state’s seven regions now listed at Level 0: Normal Conditions.
Drought levels have been downgraded this month for the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast and Islands regions of the state, with conditions now considered normal for all but the Islands region in this group.
Drought conditions persist, however, in the Cape region (Level 2: Significant Drought). The Southeast and Islands regions are rated at Level 1: Mild Drought.
Tepper said the period of above-average precipitation has helped to replenish waterways and groundwater levels while reducing potential fire danger in several regions.
In March, drought levels were elevated due to a prolonged precipitation deficit dating back to August of 2024.
The state’s Drought Management Plan requires extensive drought condition monitoring for Levels 1 and 2, as well as coordination with state and federal entities to develop and deploy response actions.
The Massachusetts Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry offers a number of programs aimed at reducing the potential impact of wildfires.
The state has also developed drought management and water conservation resources for individuals and municipalities to reduce strains on the water supply. Some 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.