Due to the drought which has developed and streamflow readings, many communities have some sort of non-essential water use restrictions. If you have any questions, contact your local City or Town Hall for guidance.
Massachusetts Drought Status – We need more rain!
On July 9, 2026, Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Topper declared a Level 2 significant drought in the Western Region following a review of conditions through the end of June, which showed continued below-average rainfall, declining streamflow, and falling groundwater levels.
Current Drought Levels are:Level 3 – Critical Drought: Northeast — Level 2 – Significant Drought: Connecticut River Valley, Central, Southeast, Western, Cape Cod and Islands
Deep Dive Podcast with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady on the MA Drought. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEBATE with Max and Maxine Rogers on Drought Mandates vs. Structural Water Reform. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
From the Press Release: “While much of the state received much-needed rainfall this week resulting in temporary increases in streamflow, Massachusetts continues to experience the effects of two years of below-average precipitation. During June, the state received between 1.5 and 4.5 inches of rainfall. Precipitation deficits continue to persist in all Regions greatest deficits on the Islands and the eastern and far southwest parts of the state. Nantucket continues to experience severe dry conditions. Precipitation is at record low coupled with extremely high evapotranspiration, and groundwater levels have seen significant declines. The rains this week have provided some respite.
Looking back over the past 3 months (May 7–July 6), most of the state has received between 50 and 100 percent of normal precipitation. The greatest deficits were observed in the eastern and far southwest part of the Commonwealth, but especially for the Islands, who have seen between 32 to 50% of normal rainfall since May 7th.
Over the past 6 months (January 7–July 6), longer-term precipitation deficits continued across the Commonwealth, running about 60 to 90 percent of normal. The largest deficits continued to be confined to areas in western, eastern and northeast Massachusetts and the Islands, where precipitation ranged between 50 to 75 percent of normal. State website on MA Drought Status, CLICK HERE.
Gardner Magazine has prepared this excellent VIDEO explaining various aspects of the Massachusetts Drought including the drought itself, private wells, and more….
Play out of the page or click to watch full screen.
Additional Helpful Infographics on this subject: CLICK IMAGE for larger view.
