Drought Status
Current Drought Status for Cambridge = Level 1-Mild Drought
Per City Ordinance
All Nonessential Outdoor Water Uses restricted to no more than one day per week, before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m
April 9, 2026:
Current Drought Status
*The drought levels shown in the map above are in effect until the next drought declaration
April 8, 2026:
Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Normal conditions have returned to the Southeast and Western Regions of the state. The Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, and Nantucket County Regions have improved to a Level–1 Mild Drought. The Cape Region remains in a Level 2–Significant Drought.
During March, Massachusetts received approximately 3 to 5.5 inches of precipitation, which is normal for this time of year. Some areas – like Essex, Middlesex, Dukes, and Nantucket Counties – got less than normal, about 0.5 to 1.5 inches below average.
The current drought, which began in 2024, has had impacts on the natural environment and declining groundwater but with recent increases in precipitation and snow melt, drought indices are improving all around. Although local water supplies are currently stable, as the drought continues to persist and with the growing season and higher water demand season before us, it is prudent for all to continue to be very conservative and save water whenever possible.
For Regions in Level 1 – Mild Drought
1. In accordance with 310 CMR 36.07(2)(c), if the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs declare a drought in the region, county or watershed, such restrictions shall be in place during a drought declaration and nonessential outdoor water use shall be restricted as follows:
Level 1 (Mild Drought). All nonessential outdoor water uses restricted to no more than one day per week, before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m., except that watering of ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-held hose or watering cans may be permitted.
Residents and Businesses:
- Minimize overall water use.
- Follow local water use restrictions.
- Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use; and,
- For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.
Communities/Municipalities:
- Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools, hot tubs.
- Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials;
- Provide timely drought and water conservation information to residents and businesses;
- Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
- Develop a local drought management plan