Berkshires in Mild Drought
BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared worsened drought conditions in several regions of Massachusetts due to limited groundwater recharge this winter.
The Central and Northeast Regions are now in a Level 3-Critical Drought. The Connecticut River Valley has moved to a Level 2-Significant Drought, and the Western Region is now in a Level 1- Mild Drought. Conditions slightly improved in Nantucket County, which is now at a Level 2-Significant Drought. The Southeast and Cape Cod Regions and Dukes County remain unchanged.
For Regions in Level 1 – Mild Drought ?
Residents and Businesses:?
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Minimize overall water use;?and,
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For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to?identify?areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.?
Communities/Municipalities:?
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Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the?state’s library of outreach materials;?
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Provide?timely?drought and water conservation information to residents and businesses;?
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Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and,?
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Develop a local drought management plan (learn more here).?
Drought is a look back at conditions over a period of time. The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected and analyzed data from August 2024 through the end of February 2026.
Although Massachusetts received up to three feet of snow in February, that snowfall has not yet helped improve drought conditions. Most of that water is still locked in snow because February temperatures stayed well below freezing; the ground was also frozen. Even when it melts, the three feet of snow equals only about two and a half inches of water, which is not enough to fully recharge rivers, lakes, ponds, and groundwater after months of below-average precipitation and overall substantial water deficits. The above-normal temperatures that Massachusetts is now experiencing and the upcoming rains will start to slowly replenish water systems and be reflected in monthly totals for the month of March.
"This drought has been building since 2024, and we're still seeing the effects in low streamflow and lower water levels across the state," said EEA Secretary Tepper. "Even though we had a snowy February, it won't be enough to replenish the groundwater after such a long period of drought. That's why it's important for everyone to be mindful of how we use water. Small actions can help protect our water supply while conditions recover."
As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, detailed monitoring of drought conditions must continue. The drought 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 (BOH), is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities. Residents are asked to report to their local BOH if wells drying up; BOHs are asked to report on the condition of local private wells.
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.?
