No Drought Conditions in Berkshire County

08:00AM / Thursday, June 12, 2025Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared that Western Mass remains at a level 0, normal conditions.

The Southeast Region, the Connecticut River Valley, Central, and Northeast Regions are also a level 0. Islands Region remains at Level 1 – Mild Drought, while the Cape Cod Region continues at Level 2.

Recent rains have provided relief, but more precipitation is still needed to restore water systems, particularly, groundwater levels in some parts of the state.

As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 1 – Mild Drought and a Level – 2 Significant Drought require detailed monitoring of drought conditions. These levels also require ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies to implement drought response actions such as water use restrictions. Additionally, engagement with municipalities, including local Boards of Health, is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities.

"We are steadily approaching normal conditions in most of Massachusetts due to the recent rain," said EEA Secretary Tepper. "As the weather warms up and the planting season is in full swing, it’s important to continue to be mindful of our water use to restore groundwater levels."

During May, most of Massachusetts experienced above average precipitation. Several regions experienced rainfall amounts of 6 to 10 inches, exceeding normal levels by 2 to 6 inches. The Cape and Islands received less rainfall than the rest of the state - in the 3 to 6-inch range. Over the past three months, precipitation has been well above normal with recent rain improving streamflow and reducing fire risk across the state. However, drought conditions since last August continue to affect groundwater levels, which typically take longer to recover. Although some regions have recovered at the regional scale, there may be localized deficits in groundwater levels in a few areas that will take more time for full recovery.

The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected data from August 2024 through May 2025.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to assist communities in managing their water systems. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions.

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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