{"id":8816,"date":"2026-03-11T11:49:03","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T15:49:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/?p=8816"},"modified":"2026-04-09T11:07:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T15:07:32","slug":"current-drought-status-3","status":"public-archive","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/2026\/03\/11\/current-drought-status-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Drought Status"},"content":{"rendered":"

March 9, 2026:<\/p>\n

Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared worsened drought conditions in several regions of Massachusetts due to limited groundwater recharge\u202fthis winter. The Central and Northeast Regions are now in a Level 3-Critical Drought. The Connecticut River Valley has moved to a Level 2-Significant Drought, and the Western Region is now in a Level 1- Mild Drought. Conditions slightly improved in Nantucket County, which is now at a Level 2-Significant Drought. The Southeast and Cape Cod Regions and Dukes County remain unchanged.<\/p>\n

Although Massachusetts received up to three feet of snow in February, that snowfall has not yet helped improve drought conditions. Most of that water is still locked in snow because February temperatures stayed well below freezing; the ground was also frozen. Even when it melts, the three feet of snow equals only about two and a half inches of water, which is not enough to fully recharge rivers, lakes, ponds, and groundwater after months of below-average precipitation and overall substantial water deficits. The above-normal temperatures that Massachusetts is now experiencing and the upcoming rains will start to slowly replenish water systems and be reflected in monthly totals for the month of March.<\/p>\n

As outlined in\u202fthe\u202fMassachusetts Drought Management Plan<\/a>,\u202fdetailed monitoring of drought conditions must continue. The drought 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 (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\u202fif\u202fwells drying up;\u202fBOHs are asked to report here\u202fon the condition of local private wells<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Residents can report dry environmental conditions and\u202fsubmit\u202fphotos to help\u202fmonitor\u202fthe situation on the\u202fMassachusetts Water Impact Reporter<\/a>\u202f(here).<\/a>\u202fAdditionally, a\u202fFAQ<\/a>\u202fis now available for questions\u202fregarding\u202fthe current drought status and water conservation; and\u202fprivate well owners can go here\u202ffor information on how the drought<\/a>\u202fmay\u202fimpact\u202fthem.<\/p>\n

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to\u202fassist\u202fcommunities in managing their water systems. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions.<\/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