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<\/p>\nWORCESTER \u2014 Worcester officials have banned all non-essential, outdoor water use, and residents are urged to minimize overall water use while the city is in \u201ccritical drought\u201d status. <\/p>\n
The restrictions apply to all water users, city officials said in a statement on Wednesday. <\/p>\n
Worcester is among Bay State communities experiencing \u201ccritical drought\u201d status. <\/p>\n
Earlier this month, state environmental officials declared a Level-3 Critical Drought for the central and northeast regions of Massachusetts. That level is one level from emergency drought status.<\/p>\n
In Worcester, other restrictions include reducing irrigation of fairways at golf courses \u201cto 40% of normal, and there shall be no irrigation of roughs, landscaping, or ornaments,\u201d city officials said. <\/p>\n
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Massachusetts drought status March 9, 2026 (Mass.gov)<\/p>\n
State officials provided the following guidelines for residents in regions in Level 3 \u2013 Critical Drought:<\/p>\n
Residents and Businesses:Minimize overall water useFollow state water conservation actions and any local water use restrictionsMonitor total household water use shown on your water bill for sudden increases, which often\u00a0indicate\u00a0leaks. Use the\u00a0MA Home Water Use Calculator tool<\/a>\u00a0\u202fto evaluate household water use.Fix any toilet or faucet leaks\u00a0immediately.\u00a0Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by:Checking water meters for constant dial movementUsing dye tabs to check for toilet leaksConducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those\u00a0located\u00a0in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areasUse dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes. Run the dishwasher only on a full loadAggressively reduce indoor water use by:Taking showers and avoiding bathsReducing shower length and consider using a shower timerRunning washing machines only on a full loadNot letting water run while brushing and shavingReplacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones. Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are\u00a0WaterSense\u00a0labeled<\/a>\u202fStop all non-essential water use\u00a0Immediate Steps for Communities\/Municipalities:Provide\u00a0timely\u00a0information on the drought and on water conservation tips to\u00a0local residents\u00a0and businesses taking advantage of the state\u2019s\u00a0library of outreach materials<\/a>Enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penaltiesStrongly discourage or prohibit washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding);\u00a0personal vehicle or boat washingEstablish or enhance water-use reduction targets for all water users,\u00a0identify\u00a0top water\u00a0users\u00a0and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use\u00a0\u00a0Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities\/Municipalities:Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state\u2019s\u00a0library of outreach materials<\/a>Implement or\u00a0establish\u00a0drought surcharge or seasonal water ratesPrepare to activate emergency inter-connections for water supplyDevelop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state\u00a0Drought Management Plan<\/a><\/p>\n For more information, visit the state\u2019s website<\/a>. <\/p>\n Worcester residents with questions about drought-level water restrictions should visit Worcester 311 at www.worcesterma.gov\/311.<\/p>\n This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. <\/p>\n Download the FREE Boston 25 News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n