BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Western Region has returned to Normal Conditions. 

 

Drought levels remain unchanged throughout the rest of the Commonwealth with the Cape Cod and Islands Regions, and Millers Basin at a Level 2–Significant  Drought; the Northeast, Central and Connecticut River Valley Regions at a Level 1–Mild Drought; and the Southeast Region at Normal Conditions.  

 

Drought is a look back on conditions over a period of time. Despite some improvements, drought conditions have continued in most of Massachusetts.  

 

During November, Massachusetts received rainfall ranging from 3 to 5 inches, with the Cape and Islands Regions seeing the highest totals. However, when looking back over the past 3 to 6 months, many areas still show deficits in precipitation. The forecasted rainfall is anticipated to bring relief to some regions of the state. 

 

The current drought, which began in 2024, has had significant impacts on the natural environment, including

 the drying of streams in nearly all regions, lower water levels in lakes and ponds, resulting in exposed banks, and impeding fish passage out to the ocean. Watering restrictions were implemented over the summer, and the local water supplies are currently stable. 

 

 The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected and analyzed data from August 2024 through November 2025. 

 

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to assist communities in

managing their water systems. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions.