NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WJAR) — The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs said that the southeast region of the state was now in “Level-2 Significant Drought” status.
The office said that the state had been in a drought since 2024, and that despite heavy snowfall in January there was still a precipitation deficit.
The drought has caused “low streamflow, decreasing water levels in lakes and ponds, and declining groundwater in nearly all regions.”
The office also said that while local water supplies were stable, it was still “prudent for all to be very conservative and save water whenever possible.”
Guidance for those living in an area under a Level Two status are:
Residents and Businesses:
Minimize overall water use;Follow local water use restrictions;Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use; and,For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.
Immediate Steps for Communities/Municipalities:
Limit or prohibit washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; and,Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users, identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.
Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities/Municipalities:
Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the states library of outreach materials;Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates;Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and,Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.Comment with Bubbles
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More information on water conversation can be found on the EEA’s drought and water conversation pages.