Massachusetts officials have declared a Level 1-Mild Drought in Central and North Eastern Massachusetts due to two months of below-normal rainfall. This declaration also includes localized Level 1-Mild Droughts in the Boston Harbor Basin, the Hudson Basin, and the Parker River Basin.
This level of drought requires detailed monitoring and coordination with state and federal agencies, as well as technical outreach and assistance to affected municipalities. Factors such as precipitation, groundwater levels, streamflow, and fire potential are being considered in determining if an area is in a drought.
Residents and businesses in these areas are advised to minimize overall water use, limit outdoor watering to one day per week, plant local and drought-resistant species, fix indoor leaks, and minimize lawn sizes. Larger buildings and businesses are encouraged to conduct water audits to identify leaks and conservation opportunities, as well as to harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.
Communities are urged to establish year-round water conservation programs, provide timely drought and water conservation information to residents and businesses, check emergency inter-connections for water supply, and develop local drought management plans.
The declaration will remain in effect until water levels return to normal conditions in the affected regions. Officials will continue to monitor the severity of the drought conditions and are prepared to escalate to Level 2 if necessary.
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