Drought Status
Current Drought Status for Cambridge = Level 1 - Mild Drought
May 9, 2025:
Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared theCentral Region will be downgraded from a Level 1-Mild Drought to Level 0-Normal Conditions. The Northeast and Islands Regions were also lowered to a Level 1 – Mild Drought, joining the Connecticut River Valley, Southeast, and Western Regions. The Cape Cod Region remains at a Level 2 – Significant Drought.
Recent rains have been extremely helpful in alleviating long-term dry conditions. To ensure a system wide recovery from drought a substantial amount of precipitation is needed, in addition to increased groundwater levels. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 1 – Mild Drought and a Level – 2 Significant Drought require detailed monitoring of drought conditions. These levels also require ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies to implement drought response actions such as water use restrictions. Additionally, engagement with municipalities, including local Boards of Health, is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities.
State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help federal, state, and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Monday, June 9 at 1:00 pm. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.
Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 1 – Mild Drought and Level 2 – Significant Drought including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are also asked to check with their local water system in case more stringent watering restrictions are in place.
For Regions in Level 1 – Mild Drought
Residents and Businesses:
- Minimize overall water use;
- Limit outdoor watering to one day per week from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM, or less frequently if required by your water supplier;
- Plant only local and drought-resistant species;
- Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use;
- For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities;
- Minimize lawn sizes; and,
- Harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.
Communities:
- 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 drought and water conservation information to residents and businesses;
- Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
- Develop a local drought management plan (learn more here).
Additional Drought Related Resources
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/massachusetts