The drought in the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord River watershed has ended!
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Feb. 13, 2023: Following five months of normal to above-normal precipitation and record-breaking warmth in January, all seven regions are at Level 0-Normal Conditions, including the Islands Region, which was previously declared at a Level 2- Significant Drought, and the Northeast and Cape Cod Regions, which were at a Level-1 Mild Drought last month. “After nine months of Massachusetts regions experiencing drought conditions, I am pleased to declare that every region has returned to normal,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We thank those who implemented conservation practices at such a critical time and urge residents to remain conscientious of their water use as we continue to experience more extreme and frequent weather events due to the climate crisis.” The Drought Management Task Force will not meet again until a region in the state is experiencing drought conditions. However, state agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the Commonwealth. | 
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For Regions in Level 1 – Mild Drought
Residents and Businesses:
Toilets, faucets, and showers are more than 60% of indoor use. Make sure yours are WaterSense efficient;
Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:
1. Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication;
2. Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;
3. Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and,
4. Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.
We are seeing more drought as the changing climate brings a change in precipitation patterns.
These low flow conditions contribute to warmer water temperatures, lower dissolved oxygen, cyanobacteria blooms, invasive species growth, and even fish kills.
Download Mass Drought Flyer - Water Conservation Tips.
