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Greater Gardner MA in a Significant Drought

The Greater Gardner Area is experiencing a LEVEL 2 – Significant Drought.  According to the State of MA, this means that rain has been well below normal for over 2 months, streams are low, nearing extreme low flows in some areas, the Fire Danger is steadily increasing, and the Strain on some water supplies is greater. 

In this instance, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Bethany Card made an announcement after lower than normal rainfall for the past 4 months. According to the State, “Stream flow is severely impacted with dry stream beds and ponding visible in many locations.  Fire Danger especially in the northern half of the state is steadily on the rise, with noticeable drought stress in shrubs and grasses.  Also drought conditions are starting to impact our farms, with losses in soil moisture, more heavy irrigation needed in some areas due to lack of precipitations, and some initial signs of crop loss.”

Massachusetts Drought Status
U.S. Drought Map

Massachusetts Drought Status Map and U.S. Drought Map – locally Level 2 – Significant

Maps Show  the level of drought in Massachusetts and the National Map shows other sections of the United States are in worse shape.   More from the state of MA, Drought Plan CLICK HERE.  MA Drought Status History, CLICK HERE Printable U.S. Drought Map (with legend) pdf, CLICK HERE.    U.S. Drought Monitor website link, CLICK HERE.

How you can help:  Minimize overall water use.  Limit outdoor watering from 5pm to 9am, and temporarily stop installing new landscapes and plants.  To minimize fire hazard, exercise caution when using charcoal grills, backyard fire pits, and other open frame outdoor activities.

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