NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City officials are encouraging residents to conserve water as the drought conditions were updated last week to Level 2 for the Berkshires.
"Due to ongoing drought conditions, the North Adams Water Department has been closely monitoring the water levels at the Mount Williams and Notch Reservoirs," the city posted on its Facebook page. "While both reservoirs are currently below their typical levels, they are not yet at critical status. We will continue to track conditions carefully and provide updates as needed."
State Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper declared a Level 2 Significant Drought for most of the state, including Western Massachusetts.
August has been dry with rainfall 1 to 2 inches or more below normal. The states posted that the three-month precipitation deficits remain widespread, with much of the state seeing only 40–80 percent of normal rainfall.
A "significant drought" calls for minimizing water uses including using watering gardens by hand before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., checking for water leaks, washing vehicles or outdoor areas, and being cognizant of water uses.
Drone pictures of a depleted Mount Williams Reservoir taken by Nick Mantello and posted to Facebook had some residents concerned. Mayor Jennifer Macksey said they were not at a critical status.
"We encourage everyone to do their part to conserve water and protect this vital resource," the city posted.
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Weekend Outlook: Mount Greylock, Shakespeare Day
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening this weekend including birding, theater, and more to welcome the warmer weather.
Mount Greylock Summit Opening Day
Mount Greylock, Adams
Welcome the warm weather on the state's highest peak. Bascom Lodge opens Saturday at 10 a.m. A live raptor demonstration is at noon on Saturday; beekeeping presentation from 11 to 2 and presentation on the Greylock Glen at 5:30 on Sunday.
The War Memorial will also be open. Tours and a presentation on the "Tower of Remembrance" will be held on Sunday and Monday at 1 and 2 p.m. Meet at the bronze map.
Shakespeare & Company Community Day
70 Kemble St., Lenox
Time: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event features live demonstrations and performances, scavenger hunts, film screenings, food trucks, and dozens of other local nonprofits sharing the ways they serve the Berkshires — and beyond.
Radical Reptile Series
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Second of a three-part series on reptiles and amphibians introduced by The Reptile Nook. This Saturday will focus on the world of lizards, and next Saturday on snakes.
The 39th annual arts and crafts festival with more than 100 vendors. Free and family friendly with live performances, food trucks and local restaurant and downtown business specials. Held on Main and School streets.
Introduction to Bird Watching
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Interested in learning about the birds and trying to catch a glimpse of all the different types? Join Mass Audubon and practice birding. Bring your own binoculars, some loaners available.
The market is open every Saturday. Every week, locally grown food, flowers, and plants will be available, along with other local vendors. The market accepts and offers doubling SNAP, HIP, WIC, and Senior market coupons. More information is here.
Lee Farmers Market
The Town Park
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The market offers locally grown produce, prepared foods, locally created arts and crafts, and herbal products. YogaLee offers free community yoga from 9:30 to 10:30 on the first Saturday of each month.
The market accepts SNAP, HIP, Senior Coupons, and WIC Coupons and also offers Market Match. More information here.
Lenox Farmers Market
St. Ann's Church
Fridays: 11 to 3.
This market is open every Friday through Sept. 12 and features fresh produce, pastries, cheeses, and more.
Brooke Harrington scored four goals, and Abigail Rodhouse had a hat trick as Wahconah won its second straight Western Mass title and the rubber match against the Mounties in the third one-goal game between the teams this spring. click for more
The graduates of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' 127th commencement were sent off with the charge of "don't stop now" to make the world a better place.
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