Press Release: 7/10/2026

Drought Conditions Worsen in Western Region

BOSTON — Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared a Level – 2 Significant Drought in the Western Region following a review of conditions through the end of June, which showed continued below-average rainfall, declining streamflow, and falling groundwater levels.



All other Regions remain at their current drought levels: 




  • Level 3 – Critical Drought: Northeast 

  • Level 2 – Significant Drought: Connecticut River Valley, Central, Southeast, Cape Cod and Islands 



While much of the state received much-needed rainfall this week resulting in temporary increases in streamflow, Massachusetts continues to experience the effects of two years of below-average precipitation. The Drought Management Task Force will continue to monitor conditions in the coming weeks to determine whether the recent rain will lead to lasting improvements. 



During June, the state received between 1.5 and 4.5 inches of rainfall. Precipitation deficits continue to persist in all Regions, with the greatest deficits on the Islands and the eastern and far southwest parts of the state. Nantucket continues to experience severe dry conditions. Precipitation is at a record low coupled with extremely high evapotranspiration, and groundwater levels have seen significant declines. 



“Massachusetts has been managing ongoing drought conditions for nearly two years, and while this week’s rain was welcome, we still have a long way to go,” said Secretary Tepper. “We appreciate the efforts municipalities and residents have already made to conserve water during this time. As the summer progresses, we continue to ask that everyone work together to ensure our supplies remain available by using water wisely.”   



As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 3 – Critical Drought requires communities to ban all nonessential outdoor water use and allow only hand-held watering in Level 2 – Significant Drought communities. While the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s (MWRA) water supply system is currently not experiencing drought conditions, it’s still important for residents and businesses served by the MWRA to conserve water. 



State agencies continue coordinating drought response efforts with federal and local partners, including municipal officials and local Boards of Health (BOH). Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is providing technical assistance and outreach to communities affected by drought conditions. 



Residents are encouraged to report dry environmental conditions and upload photos through the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter to help the state monitor drought impacts in real time. Private well owners experiencing problems such as dry wells should contact their local BOH, which is also asked to report local well conditions to the state. 



Additional information, including drought  FAQs, water conservation guidance, and resources for private well owners, is available online. 



Below are actions communities and individuals living and working within Level 2–Significant Drought and Level 3–Critical Drought Regions can take, including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to check with their local water system for any additional restrictions, as some communities may face more severe local water supply conditions. 



For Regions in Level 3 – Critical Drought  



Residents and Businesses:  




  • Minimize overall water use; 

  • Stop all non-essential outdoor watering; 

  • Follow state water conservation actions and any local water use restrictions;  

  • Monitor total household water use shown on your water bill for sudden increases, which often indicate leaks. Use the MA Home Water Use Calculator tool  to evaluate household water use;  

  • Fix any toilet or faucet leaks immediately. Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by:  

    •  Checking water meters for constant dial movement  

    •  Using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks  

    •  Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas  



  • Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes. Run the dishwasher only on a full load;  

  • Aggressively reduce indoor water use by:   

    • Taking showers and avoiding baths  

    • Reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer  

    • Running washing machines only on a full load   

    • Not letting water run while brushing and shaving   

    • Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones. Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are WaterSense labeled   





  Immediate Steps for Local Governments:  




  • Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought; Level 3 restriction calls for a ban on all nonessential outdoor water use. 

  • Provide timely information on the drought and on water conservation tips to local residents and businesses taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials; 

  • Enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penalties; 

  • Strongly discourage or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing (unless needed for invasives control); and, 

  • Establish or enhance water-use reduction targets for all water users, identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.   



Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Local Governments:  




  • Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials; 

  • Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates; 

  • Prepare to activate emergency inter-connections for water supply; and, 

  • Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.   



For Regions in Level 2 – Significant Drought   



Residents and Businesses:  




  • Minimize overall water use;

  •  For any outdoor water use, limit watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m;

  • Follow any other local water use restrictions;  

  • Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use; and, 

  • For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.  



Immediate Steps for Local Governments:  




  • Limit or prohibit washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding), personal vehicle or boat washing; and,  

  • Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users, identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.   



Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Local Governments:  




  • Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials;  

  • Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;  

  •  Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates;  

  • Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and,  

  • Develop or refine a local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.   



The DMTF will meet again on Thursday, August 6 at 10:00 AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.   



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