North Shore Drought Still 'Significant' Despite Recent Rain

SALEM, MA — The North Shore remains under a "significant drought" despite some improvement following recent rainstorms.

Above-average rainfall in July prompted Massachusetts to lift drought status in the Western Region and Dukes County, but significant or mild drought conditions remain across much of the state, according to Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper.

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The regions still in drought are Cape Cod, Central, Connecticut River Valley and Northeast, along with Nantucket County, which remain at Level 2, or significant drought. The Southeast remains at Level 1, or mild drought.

"The rain we've seen over the past several weeks is a welcome relief, and it's encouraging to see conditions improving in parts of the state. But it will take more precipitation to recover from two years of dry conditions," said Secretary Tepper. "We all have a role to play, and continuing to conserve water will help protect our water supplies."

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Massachusetts received between 4.5 and nearly 9.5 inches of rain during July, with most of the state getting more rain than is typical for the month. That rainfall helped replenish rivers, streams and soil. But drought conditions persist in some areas because groundwater recovers more slowly than rainfall, and groundwater supplies wells, rivers and wetlands.

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The greatest long-term precipitation deficits remain in eastern Massachusetts, particularly Nantucket, where groundwater levels continue to be well below normal despite recent rain, according to the state.

The Massachusetts Drought Management Plan says communities in Level 2 and Level 1 drought should continue taking steps to conserve water.

The state also said residents and businesses served by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority should keep conserving water even though the MWRA water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions.

State agencies are continuing to coordinate drought response efforts with federal and local partners, including municipal officials and local Boards of Health. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is providing technical assistance and outreach to communities affected by drought.

The Drought Management Task Force will continue monitoring conditions over the coming weeks to determine whether the recent rain leads to lasting improvements. Residents are encouraged to report dry environmental conditions and upload photos through the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter.

Private well owners with problems such as dry wells should contact their local Board of Health, which is also asked to report local well conditions to the state.