Despite Some Rain, Snow, We're Still in a Drought in Massachusetts

MASSACHUSETTS — We've had some rain. Even some snow. But it hasn't been enough to pull the area from the drought warning that was issued in November.

Although many areas of the state experienced some precipitation in November, large portions of the state continue to experience a water deficit.

Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton on Dec. 9 declared the following drought levels throughout the Commonwealth: a Drought Warning for the Connecticut River Valley, Western, Central, Northeast, and Southeast Massachusetts, unchanged from the month of November; and a Drought Advisory for the Cape and Islands, unchanged from the month of November.

The declaration was the result of a recommendation issued from a recent meeting of the Drought Management Task Force, comprised of state, federal and local officials, and will remain in effect until water levels return to normal in the affected regions, said an announcement.

“It is incredibly important that as the Commonwealth transitions from fall to the winter months that we all focus on indoor water conservation methods, now that the outdoor watering season has come to an end,” said Beaton in a statement. “The Baker-Polito Administration urges the public to reduce indoor water usage, fix any indoor leaks, and conduct water audits.”

A drought warning is issued after more than six consecutive months of groundwater and stream flow levels below normal, and larger reservoirs at below normal levels.

Photo via Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs