Woburn Under Critical Drought, State Says

WOBURN, MA — Woburn has entered a critical Level 3 drought, the city announced Tuesday. Residents are asked to do whatever they can to conserve water and prevent outdoor fires.

The city and region have had five consecutive months of below-normal rain. The entire Charles River watershed, which Woburn belongs to, has been elevated to a critical drought situation by state officials.

The drought has made plant life like grasses and shrubs very dry, raising the risk of brush fires. Groundwater and streamflow falling below normal levels in some areas.

The state asked all residents of critical drought zones to stop all outdoor watering, save water indoors and be careful with charcoal grills and campfires.

The city has not put in place an outdoor water ban, but encouraged residents to save water.

Critical droughts are the second-highest level of drought. No part of the state is under an emergency Level 4 drought, currently.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.