{"id":8955,"date":"2026-06-11T09:52:44","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T13:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/?p=8955"},"modified":"2026-06-11T10:13:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T14:13:06","slug":"northeast-region-worsens-to-critical-drought-as-rainfall-and-streamflow-continue-to-decline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/2026\/06\/11\/northeast-region-worsens-to-critical-drought-as-rainfall-and-streamflow-continue-to-decline\/","title":{"rendered":"Northeast Region Worsens to Critical Drought as Rainfall and Streamflow Continue to Decline"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Water conservation measures strongly urged as dry conditions worsen ahead of summer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/273\/2026\/06\/image_0.png?version=93e90e19d123434df28fff0119ecd8b3\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8956\" src=\"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/273\/2026\/06\/image_0-300x232.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/273\/2026\/06\/image_0-300x232.png 300w, https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/273\/2026\/06\/image_0-388x300.png 388w, https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/273\/2026\/06\/image_0.png 714w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"ma__rich-text__flame\">BOSTON<\/span>&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2014 Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared a Level 3 \u2013 Critical Drought for the Northeast Region, which includes&nbsp;Essex, Middlesex&nbsp;and Suffolk&nbsp;Counties,&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;the Town of&nbsp;Brookline.&nbsp;The designation follows years of below-average rainfall and declining streamflow across the state, signaling worsening drought conditions and increasing stress on local water supplies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During&nbsp;the first two weeks of May,&nbsp;much of the Northeast Region&nbsp;received only 0.5 to 1.5&nbsp;inches&nbsp;of rain. Rivers and streams throughout the region are running below normal levels, an indicator that groundwater continues to shrink.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>All other regions remain&nbsp;at their current drought levels:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Level 2 \u2013 Significant Drought:&nbsp;<\/strong>Connecticut River Valley, Central and Nantucket County&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Level 1 \u2013 Mild Drought:&nbsp;<\/strong>Western, Southeast,&nbsp;Cape,&nbsp;and Dukes County&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cWater conservation is especially important as we head into the summer months,\u201d said&nbsp;<strong>EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper.<\/strong>&nbsp;\u201cCommunities are already seeing streams run low and groundwater levels continue to drop after months of below-average rainfall. Reducing outdoor watering and avoiding unnecessary water use can help protect local water supplies during the hottest and driest time of year.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>As outlined in\u202fthe\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/doc\/massachusetts-drought-management-plan\/download\">Massachusetts Drought Management Plan<\/a>,&nbsp;a Level 3 \u2013 Critical Drought&nbsp;requires&nbsp;communities to implement restrictions on&nbsp;nonessential outdoor water use. In affected communities, outdoor&nbsp;non-essential&nbsp;water&nbsp;use&nbsp;is&nbsp;banned. While&nbsp;the&nbsp;Massachusetts Water Resources Authority\u2019s&nbsp;(MWRA)&nbsp;water supply system is&nbsp;currently&nbsp;not experiencing drought conditions,&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;still&nbsp;important for residents and businesses&nbsp;served by&nbsp;the MWRA&nbsp;to conserve water.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>State agencies continue coordinating drought response efforts with federal and local partners, including municipal officials and local Boards of Health&nbsp;(BOH).&nbsp;The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)&nbsp;is providing technical assistance and outreach to communities affected by drought conditions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Residents are encouraged to report dry environmental conditions and upload photos through the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/wir\">Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter<\/a>\u202fto help the state monitor drought impacts in real time. Private well owners experiencing problems such as dry wells should contact their local&nbsp;BOH, which is also asked to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/forms.office.com\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=Fh2GPrdIDkqYBowE2Bt7KrlZu5Ea_-9PgVk0nQG_lCpURTNVTkNGNjI0V0xYTTRDWEY5RjJYTExLTC4u&amp;route=shorturl\">report<\/a>&nbsp;local well conditions to the state.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Additional&nbsp;information, including drought\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/202425-drought-frequently-asked-questions-faqs\">FAQs<\/a>,\u202fwater conservation guidance, and resources for private well owners, is available online.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 1\u2013Mild Drought, Level 2\u2013Significant Drought and\u202fLevel 3-Critical Drought&nbsp;Regions&nbsp;including&nbsp;those\u202futilizing\u202fa private well. Residents and businesses are strongly&nbsp;encouraged&nbsp;to check with their local water system&nbsp;for any additional\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=qlM2rM9WS8Y\">restrictions<\/a>, as some communities may face more severe local water supply conditions.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"for-regions-in-level-3-critical-drought\"><strong>For Regions in Level 3 \u2013 Critical Drought<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"residents-and-businesses\"><strong>Residents and Businesses:<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimize overall water use;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Stop all&nbsp;non-essential&nbsp;outdoor&nbsp;watering;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Follow state water conservation actions and any local water use restrictions;\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Monitor total household water use shown on your water bill for sudden increases, which often\u202findicate\u202fleaks. Use the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/interactive-water-conservation-tools\">MA Home Water Use Calculator tool<\/a>\u202f\u202fto evaluate household water use;\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Fix any&nbsp;toilet&nbsp;or faucet leaks\u202fimmediately. Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by:\u202f&nbsp;\n<ul>\n<li>Checking water meters for constant dial movement\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those\u202flocated\u202fin utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes. Run the dishwasher only on a full load;\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Aggressively reduce indoor water use by: \u202f&nbsp;\n<ul>\n<li>Taking showers and avoiding baths\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Running washing machines only on a full load \u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Not letting water run while brushing and shaving \u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones. Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/watersense\/watersense-products\">WaterSense&nbsp;labeled<\/a>\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"immediate-steps-for-local-governments\"><strong>Immediate Steps for&nbsp;Local Governments:<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Adopt and implement the state\u2019s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought; Level 3 restriction calls for a ban on all nonessential outdoor water use.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Provide\u202ftimely\u202finformation on the drought and on water conservation&nbsp;tips to\u202flocal residents\u202fand businesses taking advantage of the state\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/water-resources-toolkit-library-of-outreach-materials\">library of outreach materials<\/a>;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penalties;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Strongly discourage or prohibit&nbsp;installation of new sod, seeding, and\/or landscaping;&nbsp;washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing&nbsp;(unless&nbsp;needed&nbsp;for invasives control); and,&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Establish or enhance water-use&nbsp;reduction targets for all water users,\u202fidentify\u202ftop water\u202fusers\u202fand conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.&nbsp;\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"short-and-medium-term-steps-for-local-governments\"><strong>Short- and Medium-Term Steps for&nbsp;Local&nbsp;Governments:<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state\u2019s&nbsp;library of outreach materials;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Implement or\u202festablish\u202fdrought surcharge or seasonal water rates;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Prepare to activate emergency inter-connections for water supply; and,&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state&nbsp;Drought Management&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/doc\/massachusetts-drought-management-plan\/download\">Plan<\/a>. \u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"for-regions-in-level-2-significant-drought\"><strong>For Regions in Level 2 \u2013 Significant Drought&nbsp;<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"residents-and-businesses-1\"><strong>Residents and Businesses:<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimize overall water use;\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Follow local water use restrictions;\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use; and,&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>For larger&nbsp;buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to\u202fidentify\u202fareas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"immediate-steps-for-local-governments-1\"><strong>Immediate Steps for Local Governments:<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Limit or prohibit washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; and,\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users,\u202fidentify\u202ftop&nbsp;water\u202fusers\u202fand conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use. \u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"short-and-medium-term-steps-for-local-governments-1\"><strong>Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Local Governments:<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the&nbsp;states&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/water-resources-toolkit-library-of-outreach-materials\">library of outreach materials<\/a>;\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Provide\u202ftimely\u202finformation to\u202flocal residents\u202fand businesses;\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Implement or\u202festablish\u202fdrought surcharge or seasonal water rates;\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and,\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state&nbsp;Drought Management&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/doc\/massachusetts-drought-management-plan\/download\">Plan<\/a>. \u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"for-regions-in-level-1-mild-drought\"><strong>For Regions in Level 1 \u2013 Mild Drought&nbsp;<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"residents-and-businesses-2\"><strong>Residents and Businesses:<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimize overall water use;\u202fand,&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to\u202fidentify\u202fareas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"local-governments\"><strong>Local Governments:<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the\u202fstate\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/water-resources-toolkit-library-of-outreach-materials\">library of outreach materials<\/a>;\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Provide\u202ftimely\u202fdrought and water conservation information to residents and businesses;\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and,\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Develop a local&nbsp;Drought&nbsp;Management&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/guides\/drought-planning-guidance\">plan<\/a>.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The state\u2019s Drought Management Task Force had a special meeting earlier this week to assess the changing conditions in the Northeast. The DMTF&nbsp;will&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/drought-management-task-force-meetings\">meet<\/a>\u202fagain on&nbsp;June 8, 2026 at&nbsp;11:00&nbsp;AM.\u202fFor further information on water conservation\u202fand what residents can do, visit the EEA\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/guides\/drought-management-in-massachusetts\">drought<\/a>\u202fand&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/conservemawater\">water conservation<\/a>\u202fpages.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Water conservation measures strongly urged as dry conditions worsen ahead of summer. <a href=\"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/2026\/06\/11\/northeast-region-worsens-to-critical-drought-as-rainfall-and-streamflow-continue-to-decline\/\" aria-label=\"Read full article about Northeast Region Worsens to Critical Drought as Rainfall and Streamflow Continue to Decline\">Read full article<span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":180,"featured_media":8956,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[1,6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8955"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/180"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8955"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8955\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8965,"href":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8955\/revisions\/8965"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8956"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sudbury.ma.us\/conservationcommission\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}