Drought Status

Water Conservation Tips

 

Current Drought Status for Cambridge = Level-1 Mild Drought

December 10, 2025

            

 

Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Western Region has returned to Normal Conditions. Drought levels remain unchanged throughout the rest of the Commonwealth with the Cape Cod and Islands Regions, and Millers Basin at a Level 2–Significant Drought; the Northeast, Central and Connecticut River Valley Regions at a Level 1–Mild Drought; and the Southeast Region at Normal Conditions.

During November, Massachusetts received rainfall ranging from 3 to 5 inches, with the Cape and Islands Regions seeing the highest totals. However, when looking back over the past 3 to 6 months, many areas still show deficits in precipitation. The forecasted rainfall is anticipated to bring relief to some regions of the state. 

The current drought, which began in 2024, has had significant impacts on the natural environment, including the drying of streams in nearly all regions, lower water levels in lakes and ponds resulting in exposed banks, and impeding fish passage out to the ocean.

As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 1 – Mild Drought and Level 2 – Significant Drought require detailed monitoring of drought conditions. These levels also require ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies to implement drought response actions such as water use restrictions. Additionally, engagement with municipalities, including local Boards of Health (BOH), is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities. Residents are asked to report to their local BOH in case of wells drying up; BOHs are asked to report here on the condition of local private wells.

The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected and analyzed data from August 2024 through October 2025. Residents can report dry environmental conditions and submit photos to help monitor the situation on the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter (here). Additionally, a FAQ is now available for questions regarding the current drought status and water conservation; and private well owners can go here for information on how the drought may impact them. 

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. The DMFT will meet again on Monday December 8th at 10 am. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.  

Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 1 – Mild Drought and Level 2 – Significant Drought, including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are strongly urged to check with their local water system in case more stringent watering restrictions are in place. Many systems may have other more severe local conditions and constraints on water supply.

 

For Regions in Level 1 – Mild Drought

Residents and Businesses:

  • 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; and,
  • Harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.

Communities:

  • 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 (learn more here).

Drought status updates will be published on the Water Department’s website, the City’s Daily Update newsletter, social media accounts, media outlets, and by other means reasonably calculated to reach and inform all users of water of the state of water supply conservation.

 

Additional Drought Related Resources

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status

https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/massachusetts