Drought Conditions Worsen in Western Mass
BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared a Level – 2 Significant Drought in the Western Region following a review of conditions through the end of June, which showed continued below-average rainfall, declining streamflow, and falling groundwater levels.
This means Berkshire County is in a level 2, significant drought.
While much of the state received much-needed rainfall this week resulting in temporary increases in streamflow, Massachusetts continues to experience the effects of two years of below-average precipitation. The Drought Management Task Force will continue to monitor conditions in the coming weeks to determine whether the recent rain will lead to lasting improvements.
During June, the state received between 1.5 and 4.5 inches of rainfall. Precipitation deficits continue to persist in all Regions, with the greatest deficits on the Islands and the eastern and far southwest parts of the state. Nantucket continues to experience severe dry conditions. Precipitation is at a record low coupled with extremely high evapotranspiration, and groundwater levels have seen significant declines.
"Massachusetts has been managing ongoing drought conditions for nearly two years, and while this week's rain was welcome, we still have a long way to go," said Secretary Tepper. "We appreciate the efforts municipalities and residents have already made to conserve water during this time. As the summer progresses, we continue to ask that everyone work together to ensure our supplies remain available by using water wisely."
For Regions in Level 2 – Significant Drought ?
Residents and Businesses:?
-
Minimize overall water use;
-
For any outdoor water use, limit watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m;
-
Follow any other 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 Local Governments:?
-
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 Local Governments:?
-
Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state's 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 a local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan. ?
State agencies continue coordinating drought response efforts with federal and local partners, including municipal officials and local Boards of Health (BOH). Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is providing technical assistance and outreach to communities affected by drought conditions.
Residents are encouraged to report dry environmental conditions and upload photos through the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter?to help the state monitor drought impacts in real time. Private well owners experiencing problems such as dry wells should contact their local BOH, which is also asked to report local well conditions to the state.
Additional information, including drought FAQs,?water conservation guidance, and resources for private well owners, is available online.
