A stormy July and the first few weeks of August have paved the way for drought conditions in parts of Massachusetts to change, according to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
The westernmost region — along the border with New York and the region to the east, the Connecticut River Valley Region — was downgraded from a Level 1 “mild drought” to a Level 0 “normal conditions,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a statement released Tuesday.
Similarly, all of the Connecticut River Valley Region, all of the Central Region, all of the Southeast Region, all of the Cape Cod Region and all of the Islands Region are drought-free, the statement read.
However, mild drought has been declared in the Parker River Basin after “a review of July conditions including data showing localized critically low flow conditions,” the statement read. “All other areas in the Northeast Region remain normal.”
The choice to declare the Parker River Basin as going through a drought was informed by recommendations and discussions with the Drought Management Task Force. This group is comprised of state and federal officials and other entities.
“Several factors are considered in determining whether there is a drought, such as precipitation, groundwater levels, streamflow, lakes and impoundments, evapotranspiration, and fire potential,” the statement read. “… The declaration will remain in effect until water levels return to normal conditions in this region.”
To help those living in a region declared to be in the midst of a drought, state officials recommend doing the following (these tips are for those going through a Level 1 drought):
- Minimize overall water use
- Limit outdoor watering to one day per week from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM, or less frequently if required by your water supplier
- Plant only local and drought-resistant species
- Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use
- For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities
- Minimize lawn sizes
- Harvest rainwater for outdoor watering
