Woburn Drought Conditions Improve, But Water Conservation Still Urged

WOBURN, MA - Woburn remains in a drought designation, but heavy rains in July have brought Woburn's drought designation down to a Level 2, Significant Drought.

On Aug. 7, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs announced that the Northeast region, including Woburn, is still in Significant Drought. The City of Woburn also issued an update Tuesday, Aug. 11, asking residents and businesses to continue to conserve water.

The new designation is more favorable to Woburn.

After months of dry conditions and dwindling stream and groundwater levels, the Northeast region was put under a Level 3, Critical Drought in May. Woburn was in that higher drought designation.

There was some relief in July.

Officials say Massachusetts got between about 4.5 and 9.5 inches of rain during July, with much of the state getting more rain than normal for the month. The rainfall filled up rivers, streams and soil.

However, it can take longer for ground water levels to recover.

Recent rain has not alleviated drought conditions in parts of Massachusetts, and long-term precipitation deficits continue to be a concern in eastern Massachusetts, state environmental officials said. “The rain we’ve seen over the past several weeks is a welcome relief, and it is encouraging to see conditions improving in parts of the state,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in the state’s drought update.

The state still needs more rain to fully recover from about two years of dry conditions, Tepper said.

What Residents Of Woburn Are Being Asked To Do 1.

The City of Woburn is requesting residents and businesses to cut back their overall water use and adhere to any local water-use restrictions.

Officials also suggest fixing leaks in toilets, faucets and showers. Water audits are encouraged for larger buildings and businesses to identify leaks and other opportunities to reduce water use.

There is also a long-term reason to Woburn save water during the warmer months.

The city’s water conservation information says the Horn Pond aquifer can provide for the city’s needs during the winter months, but Woburn may have to buy additional water from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority due to increased demand in the warmer months.

The city recommends several things residents can do to reduce outdoor water use, including not watering during the hottest part of the day, using rain barrels, avoiding unnecessary lawn watering and using a broom instead of water to clean patios and driveways.

State officials probably will continue to monitor conditions. The Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force will meet again Aug. 20.

Residents can visit the City of Woburn and Massachusetts drought management websites for more information on current drought conditions and water-conservation guidance.