‘Critical Drought’ Declared In Charles River Watershed

NATICK, MA — The state Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs recently declared a stage three “critical drought” in the Charles River watershed, a region that includes more than 30 towns and cities from Boston to Bellingham.

The drought declaration comes after months of below-average rainfall and high summer temperatures. Even this late in the season, state officials are asking residents to conserve water as much as possible — including outdoor watering, and checking for water leaks at home.

The advisory includes towns in the Charles River watershed like Natick, Milford and Wayland. Residents are also being asked to be careful with outdoor fires and barbecues due to drier-than-normal conditions.

“These very dry conditions cause an increased threat of brush and wildland fires, and we urge residents to exercise caution when using charcoal grills, matches, and other open flames during outdoor activities and to call 911 immediately if there is a fire to prevent the fire from spreading,” MEMA Director Samantha Phillips said in a statement.

Although recent rain has brought some relief, local communities are well below usual totals. Natick saw about 1-½ inches of rain in September, but the 30-year average for that month is about 3-¾ inches. May, June, July and August were also all below-average, according to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.

Meanwhile, a large section of Massachusetts is in a “severe drought,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor - the entire area stretching from Provincetown through Norfolk County. Portions of southern Worcester and Hampden counties and far northern Middlesex County are also in a severe drought status.

Read More

• Worcester Shuts Down Reservoir Amid Drought
• Natick Lifts Water Ban Amid Regional Drought