The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) last week declared that most of the state is now experiencing a critical drought, due to unprecedented low levels of precipitation over the last three months.
The rains this past week helped but drought conditions remain. “We could see close to 2 inches in some spots around Massachusetts and southern New England as a whole, which is pretty encouraging,” meteorologist Candice Hrencecin of the National Weather Service in Norton told WGBH. “But we’re still in a pretty big deficit. So I don’t think it’s going to make too big of a dent.”
EEA listed most of the state to be at a Level 3 – Critical Drought stage, with only Cape Cod and islands remaining at a Level 0 – Normal condition.
As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 3 – Critical Drought requires detailed monitoring of drought conditions, continued coordination among state and federal agencies to communicate the implementation of water use restrictions, declaration of bans on open burning, engagement with municipalities, and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities.
Fire activity has increased across the state because of drought conditions, leading to wildfires that are burning deeper into the soil. Due to fire conditions, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has implemented a temporary ban of all open flame and charcoal fires within state park properties. Small portable propane grills are still allowed at campgrounds and recreation areas where grilling is permitted.
All outdoor burning is currently prohibited in Waltham, with officials urging everyone to exercise caution as even a small spark can ignite a larger fire in these conditions.
Everyone can help protect your family, your home, your community and the responders on the front lines by avoiding anything that could create a spark or ember outdoors.
Here are some other things residents and businesses can to do help at this time:
- Minimize overall water use.
- Follow state water conservation actions and any local water use restrictions.
- Monitor total household water use shown on your water bill for sudden increases, which often indicate leaks. Use the MA Home Water Use Calculator tool to evaluate household water use.
- Fix any toilet or faucet leaks immediately. Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by checking water meters for constant dial movement; using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks; and conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces and other hidden areas.
- Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes; run the dishwasher only on a full load.
- Aggressively reduce indoor water use by reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer; running washing machines only on a full load; not letting water run while brushing teeth and shaving; replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones; and making sure toilets, faucets and showerheads are WaterSense-labeled.
- Stop all nonessential water use.
- Be extra cautious with outdoor fires, grills and flammable materials.
- Remember that burning yard waste is prohibited statewide through January.
- Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris and overhanging branches.
- Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass.
- Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out; never dump them outdoors or in the trash.
- Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.
State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state; coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public; and help federal, state and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future.For more info visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.
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