Massachusetts drought is worsening and water limits could follow

• Drought conditions have worsened in Massachusetts over the course of the last month.
• Drought Management Task Force says one area of the Bay State is in a “critical drought.”
• Task force: “During May, the state received between 1-3 inches of rain, which was 1.3 to 3 inches below normal.”

Dry weather is taking its toll in Massachusetts.

Drought conditions − ongoing since 2024 in the Bay State − were improving earlier this spring, but in the latest report by the state’s Drought Management Task Force, it’s clear things have worsened. In May, between one and three inches of rain fell in the state, which official say “was 1.3 to 3 inches below normal.”

One region of the state is now considered to be in “critical drought” consideriong and several others have escalated to be considered in a “significant” drought.

“The designation follows two years of below-average rainfall and declining streamflow and groundwater across the state, signaling worsening drought conditions and increasing stress on local water supplies,” a press release said.

As the drought worsens to critical conditions, more water control measures may take effect.

“A Level 3 – Critical Drought requires affected communities to implement a ban on nonessential outdoor water use,” the Drought Management Task Force website explains. “The drought levels also require ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies to implement drought response actions such as water-use restrictions.”

What’s the drought status in Massachusetts?

According to the state’s Drought Management Task Force:

• The northeast part of Massachusetts is in a critical drought. In previous reports, it was a significant drought.
• The Connecticut River Valley, Central Region, Southeast Region, Cape Cod, and the Islands are all in significant drought. While this is unchanged from the last month for the Connecticut River Valley, Central Region, and the Islands, it’s an escalation form for the Southeast and Cape regions which were previously in a minor drought.
• The Western region is in a minor drought, the same as last month.

How long has Massachusetts been dealing with drought conditions?

Drought conditions have persisted since 2024, according to the task force.

“The current drought, which began in 2024, continues to affect the natural environment like streamflow, vernal pools and ponds and dependent species, fish migrations and declining groundwater,” the task force stated in a previous report.

What steps should people take in a drought?

During a drought, the task force recommends:

• Minimizing overall water use and being particularly mindful of indoor water use.
• Following local water use restrictions.
• Limiting or prohibiting washing of hard surfaces like sidewalks, patios, driveways and siding.
• Fixing any indoor leaks from toilets, faucets and showers, which can result in more than 60% of indoor water use.
• Monitoring total household water use shown on your water bill for sudden increases, which often indicate leaks.
• Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas.
• Using dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes. Run the dishwasher only on a full load.
• Reducing shower length.