Commonwealth Elevates Northeast Region, Which Includes Cambridge, to Level 3- Critical Drought Status

The Cambridge Water Department (CWD) carefully monitors the City’s water supply system on a weekly basis to ensure an adequate supply of water is available to meet the needs of our residents, businesses, and organizations. 

As many know, there has been very limited rainfall in the area, particularly this fall season with rainfall well below the average for the month of October. Multiple reservoirs across the state are starting to experience decreases in water levels.

Due to the abnormally low levels, the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) today elevated the Northeast Region of Massachusetts, which includes Cambridge, from a Level 1- Mild Drought to a Level 3- Critical Drought. Level 3 Droughts require detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to affected municipalities.

Per State regulations, ALL NONESSENTIAL OUTDOOR WATER USES ARE BANNED as of November 7, 2024.

Additionally the State has issued the following recommendations for residents and businesses:

As noted by the State, you can conserve water in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, checking for leaks, and replacing appliances. Additional tips are available at Water Conservation - Water - City of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The City of Cambridge strongly recommends taking action now. Please be mindful of your water use and help promote water conservation. This will help allow our water reservoir system recharge, while maintaining our water quality.

It is also important to remind the community that Cambridge has its own water supply and is a member of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) system, which is capable of meeting 100% of the City’s water demand in the event that precautionary measures ever need to be put in place.

Increases in Wildfire Occurrence and Intensity
Dry conditions have also led to an increase in wildfire occurrence and intensity, prompting the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to implement a temporary ban on all open flame and charcoal fires within state park properties.  Everyone is urged to exercise caution with grills and open flames, ensuring that all fires are properly extinguished.

For more information about the state Water Management Act, Water Resources Management Program, and Regulations, see the below links:

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter21G

https://www.mass.gov/water-management-act-program

https://www.mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-3600-massachusetts-water-resources-management-program

Additional Drought Related Resources

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status

https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/massachusetts