{"id":8771,"date":"2026-01-14T08:21:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T13:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/?p=8771"},"modified":"2026-03-11T11:55:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T15:55:01","slug":"current-drought-status-2","status":"public-archive","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/2026\/01\/14\/current-drought-status-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Drought Status"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Drought<\/p>\n

January 12, 2026:<\/p>\n

Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared that the Central and Northeast Regions have worsened to a Level 2\u2013Significant Drought. Conditions also declined in nearly all other regions, moving the Southeast Region to a Level\u20131 Mild Drought and the Millers River Basin to a Level 3-Critical Drought. In the Islands Region, Dukes County has returned to Normal Conditions and Nantucket County has moved to a Level 3\u2013Critical Drought. Conditions remain unchanged in the Western, Connecticut River Valley, and Cape Cod Regions.<\/p>\n

During December, Massachusetts received rainfall ranging from 3 to 4 inches, but the month ended with totals at 1-2 inches below normal. When looking back over the past 3 to 6 months, precipitation deficits still persist. The forecasted rainfall is anticipated to bring near normal precipitation through the end of the month.<\/p>\n

The current drought, which began in 2024, has continued to have significant impacts on the natural environment, including the drying of streams in nearly all regions, lower water levels in lakes and ponds, and impeding fish passage out to the ocean.<\/p>\n

As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan<\/a>,  continued detailed monitoring of drought conditions must continue. The drought levels also require ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies to implement drought response actions. Additionally, engagement with municipalities, including local Boards of Health (BOH), is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities. Residents are asked to report to their local BOH in case of wells drying up; BOHs are asked to report here on the condition of local private wells.<\/p>\n

Residents can report dry environmental conditions and submit photos to help monitor the situation on the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter<\/a> (here).<\/a> Additionally, a FAQ<\/a> is now available for questions regarding the current drought status and water conservation; and private well owners can go here for information on how the drought may impact them<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 DMTF will meet<\/a> again on February 10th<\/sup> at 9:30 AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA\u2019s drought<\/a> and water conservation<\/a> pages.  <\/p>\n

Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 1\u2013Mild Drought, Level 2\u2013Significant Drought, Level 3-Critical Drought including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are strongly urged to check with their local water system in case more stringent watering restrictions are in place. Many systems may have other more severe local conditions and constraints on water supply. <\/p>\n

For Regions in Level 3 \u2013 Critical Drought<\/h3>\n

Residents and Businesses:<\/h4>\n