BOSTON — Following three months of near-normal rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Islands Region will be downgraded from a Level 2- Significant Drought to a Level 1-Mild Drought. 

 

All other regions of the state remain in Level 0-Normal Conditions. Water as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 1-Mild Drought?warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities. 

 

"Seeing conditions improve on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket is encouraging. We need to continue practicing indoor water conservation methods to help lift the Islands Region out of this drought,"?said Secretary Tepper.?"Hotter summers mean slower recovery for groundwater levels. Drought resiliency is a priority for the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and we are working to build those resources for municipalities." 

 

This declaration is the result of recommendations made by the state's Drought Management Task Force, which is composed of state and federal officials, and other entities. The DMTF noted there were currently no water supply concerns; however, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities in managing their water systems,  including assistance on the use of emergency connections and water supplies. The declaration will remain in effect until water levels return to normal conditions.