Despite Snow And Rain, 'Significant' Drought Continues On Cape

CAPE COD, MA — There’s been drought relief across much of Massachusetts, but not on the Cape.

The region continues to experience “significant drought,” the third-thirstiest level of water shortage as measured by the commonwealth – after "critical" and "emergency" levels.

Barnstable County is the only one of eight regions in Massachusetts that’s currently so dry, according to data released this week by Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper.

The state had been enduring drought conditions on and off since 2024, but there’s been a respite recently – except on Cape Cod.

“Spring has brought much-needed snow melt, rain and relief to Massachusetts. While that’s a positive step, we are still recovering from a prolonged drought,” Tepper said in a statement.

“As the growing season starts, it is important that we all be conscious of both our indoor and outdoor water use and continue to follow state guidance and local water restrictions.”

Massachusetts officials are advising Cape residents and businesses to minimize their H2O usage – for example, by watering outdoor plants only with handheld hoses or cans, between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.

The news comes as residents of Falmouth learned this week that their municipal water supply may have been compromised by fecal bacteria.