Berkshire County in Mild Drought
BOSTON – Following several weeks of snow and rain, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Central, Northeast, and Connecticut River Valley regions will be downgraded from a Level-3 Critical Drought to a Level-2 Significant Drought.
The Western and Southeast Regions will also move from a Level-3 Critical Drought to a Level-1 Mild Drought status due to improved conditions. The Cape and Islands regions remain in a Level-1 Mild Drought.
A Level-1 Mild Drought require detailed monitoring of drought conditions, continued coordination among state and federal agencies to advance the implementation of water use restrictions, engagement with municipalities, including local Boards of Health, providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities.
"Seeing drought conditions improve across nearly all our regions is encouraging. That said, we need to continue practicing indoor water conservation to fully recover and reduce future drought impacts," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "I want to recognize everyone who has been helping us combat the unprecedented wildfires and drought conditions over the past several months. We continue to express our gratitude to those first responders and ask everyone to exercise caution in their water use."
Over the past month, most of the state received between 3-6 inches of rain and snow, and 6-8 inches in the southeast region. This precipitation is important for restoring normal conditions after last year's severe drought and fire risks. Despite the recent rain and snowfall, streamflow remains low in the Northeast, Central, and Connecticut River Valley regions.
Groundwater levels are also improving in all areas, except on the Cape where groundwater is decreasing, even though it is in the normal range. Residents can report dry environmental conditions they are experiencing and submit photos to support state drought monitoring efforts here.
Below are recommendations for communities and individuals?living and working within a Level 1 – Mild Drought region.
Residents and Businesses:
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Minimize overall water use;
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Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use;
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For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities;
Communities/Municipalities:
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Establish a year-round water?conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s?library of outreach?materials;
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Provide timely drought and water conservation information to local residents and businesses;
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Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
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Develop a local drought management plan (learn more?here).
State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help federal, state, and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 at?10:00 AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.
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