DROUGHT STATUS UPDATE – LEVEL 3 CRITICAL DROUGHT

Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared worsened drought conditions in several regions of Massachusetts due to limited groundwater recharge this winter. The Central and Northeast Regions are now in a Level 3-Critical Drought. 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. How can you conserve? Minimize overall water use.

. Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by:  

• Fix any toilet or faucet leaks immediately
• Checking water meters for constant dial movement 
• Using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks 
• Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas  
• Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes. Run the dishwasher only on a full load  
• Taking showers and avoiding baths  
• Reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer  

• Not letting water run while brushing and shaving
• Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones.