Northeast MA Hits 'Critical Drought,' Triggering Water Bans Across Region

SALEM, MA — The state declared a "Critical Drought" on Friday for the Northeast region of Massachusetts — including Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk counties, as well as the town of Brookline — just ahead of the unofficial start to the summer.

The state's Drought Management Plan dictates that during Critical Drought conditions, communities must ban all nonessential outdoor water use.

The state urges affected communities to "enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penalties."

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Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said the designation follows years of below-average rainfall and declining streamflow across the state, signaling worsening drought conditions and increasing stress on local water supplies.

Much of the region has received less than an 1 inch of rain during the typical damp month of May, with rivers and streams running below normal levels as groundwater continues to shrink.

All other regions of the state in a significant or mild drought.

"Water conservation is especially important as we head into the summer months," Tepper said. "Reducing outdoor watering and avoiding unnecessary water use can help protect local water supplies during the hottest and driest time of year."

While the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's water supply system is currently not experiencing drought conditions, it's still important for residents and businesses served by the MWRA to conserve water, Tepper said.

Residents are encouraged to report dry environmental conditions and upload photos through the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter to help the state monitor drought impacts in real time. Private well owners experiencing problems such as dry wells should contact their local BOH, which is also asked to report local well conditions to the state.

Residents in Critical Drought areas are urged to stop all non-essential outdoor watering, monitor water bills, faucets, and shower heads for signs of potential leaks, use dishwashers on a full load rather than handwashing dishes, take short showers over baths, run washing machines only on a full load, and stop letting water run while brushing teeth or shaving.

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