NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City officials are encouraging residents to conserve water as the drought conditions were updated last week to Level 2 for the Berkshires. 

 

"Due to ongoing drought conditions, the North Adams Water Department has been closely monitoring the water levels at the Mount Williams and Notch Reservoirs," the city posted on its Facebook page. "While both reservoirs are currently below their typical levels, they are not yet at critical status. We will continue to track conditions carefully and provide updates as needed."

 

State Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper declared a Level 2 Significant Drought for most of the state, including Western Massachusetts. 

 

August has been dry with rainfall 1 to 2 inches or more below normal. The states posted that the three-month precipitation deficits remain widespread, with much of the state seeing only 40–80 percent of normal rainfall.

 

A "significant drought" calls for minimizing water uses including using watering gardens by hand before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., checking for water leaks, washing vehicles or outdoor areas, and being cognizant of water uses. 

 

Drone pictures of a depleted Mount Williams Reservoir taken by Nick Mantello and posted to Facebook had some residents concerned. Mayor Jennifer Macksey said they were not at a critical status. 

 

"We encourage everyone to do their part to conserve water and protect this vital resource," the city posted.