New Law Allowing State Action In Water Use Backed By Sen. Eldridge

SUDBURY, MA — State Sen. Jamie Eldridge has resubmitted a water conservation law that would change water use restrictions during times of drought.

Eldridge and state Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, are cosponsoring the bill, SD 142, that previously stalled in the state Legislature. The law would allow the Executive Office of Energy and Affairs to require regional water conservation efforts to protect water resources.

As it stands, cities and towns in Massachusetts individually decide when to enact water restrictions, like banning nonessential use like washing cars and sprinkler use.

The bill would also allow the state Drought Management Task Force to declare drought severity. Enforcement for breaking water conservation rules would still rest with individual communities, according to the bill.

Massachusetts experienced one of the most severe droughts in recent years over the summer months. The drought was so bad, some parts of the Charles River receded to bare mud. In July, just a half-inch of rain was measured at Logan Airport, the lowest for that month in two decades.

Parts of northern Middlesex and Essex counties this week were still "abnormally dry," according to the U.S. Drought Monitor — although the rest of the state had recovered from peak drought to normal levels.