Drought Status
Cambridge Water System - Current Drought Status
February 14
February 13, 2023: The months of December and January brought above-normal rainfall across all regions of the Commonwealth, helping with the recovery of groundwater, streamflow, lakes, and impoundments. As a result, Cambridge has been returned to a Level 0-Normal Conditions.
January featured above average precipitation, mostly in the form of rain resulting in significant improvement to hydrological conditions. Precipitation totals in the east ranged from as much as 6 to 12 inches.
Even in winter months it continues to be important to save water, which can be achieved by ramping up indoor use considerations. The top three ways to conserve water indoors are to fix leaks, consider water use habits, and change out older fixtures and appliances to save water, energy and money. More details and additional ideas are provided at https://www.mass.gov/guides/indoor-water-conservation. EEA urges residents and businesses to continue to be extremely mindful of their overall water use.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
January 17, 2023:
January 13, 2023: Through the month of December 2022, the majority of the state experienced drought improvements and as a result, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper today announced that the Cambridge drought has been changed to Level 1-Mild Drought. Rain and snow events during the previous month and a half have been well above normal and conditions are expected to continue to improve through January 2023. However, for the state to be completely out of the drought, which is a longer-term condition, Massachusetts will need to benefit from sustained rainfall for a few more months before the entire state is within Normal conditions.
The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a significant emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
January 9, 2023:
As of December 12, 2022: With below normal precipitation in November in some regions of the state and longer-term deficits in most regions, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today made the following drought declaration that the Northeast has been changed to Level 2 – Significant Drought. It is important to note that while the western portion of the Northeast Region is faring a little better, most of this region has more significant drought impacts from long-term drought conditions. This declaration will remain in effect till the next declaration in January.
The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a significant emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions.
Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
- Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
- Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
- Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
- Flush toilets only when needed.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
November 15, 2022:
As of the November 15, 2022 Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bethany Card declared that the Cambridge drought has been changed to Level 1-Mild Drought. This is due to the fact that several recent precipitation events in October that directly benefited Massachusetts’ hydrological systems. This declaration will remain in effect till the next declaration in December.
The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a significant emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
October 10, 2022:
As of the October 7, 2022, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bethany Card declared that the Cambridge drought has been changed to Level 2-Signficant Drought. This is due to the fact that several recent precipitation events in September that directly benefited Massachusetts’ hydrological systems. This declaration will remain in effect till the next declaration in November.
The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a significant emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions.
Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
- Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
- Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
- Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
- Flush toilets only when needed.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
September 9, 2022
As of the September 8, 2022, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bethany Card declared that the Cambridge drought level has remained the same, Level 3-Critical Drought. This declaration will remain in effect till the next declaration in Mid-September.
The Water Department will continue to monitor the meetings of the Drought Management Task Force for any changes in Cambridge’s drought status.
The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a significant emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions. Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
- Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
- Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
- Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
- Flush toilets only when needed.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this link: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
August 26, 2022
As of the August 23, 2022, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bethany Card declared that the Cambridge drought level has remained the same, Level 3-Critical Drought.
The Water Department will continue to monitor the meetings of the Drought Management Task Force for any changes in Cambridge’s drought status.
The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a significant emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions. Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
- Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
- Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
- Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
- Flush toilets only when needed.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this link: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
August 17, 2022
As of the August 9, 2022, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bethany Card declared that the Cambridge drought level has remained the same, Level 3-Critical Drought.
The Water Department will continue to monitor the meetings of the Drought Management Task Force for any changes in Cambridge’s drought status.
The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a significant emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions. Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
- Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
- Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
- Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
- Flush toilets only when needed.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this link: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
July 25, 2022
As of the July 21, 2022, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bethany Card declared that the Cambridge drought level has changed to a Level 3-Critical Drought.
The Water Department will continue to monitor the meetings of the Drought Management Task Force for any changes in Cambridge’s drought status.
The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a significant emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions. Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
- Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
- Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
- Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
- Flush toilets only when needed.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this link: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
July 13, 2022
As of the July 12, 2022, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bethany Card announced that the Cambridge drought level remains at a Level 2-Signficant Drought.
The Water Department will continue to monitor the meetings of the Drought Management Task Force for any changes in Cambridge’s drought status.
Although the drought level is Normal Condition in our region of the State, the Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
• Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
• Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
• Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
• Flush toilets only when needed.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status
June 2022
On June 15, 2022, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Bethany Card declared a Level 2-Signficant Drought in the Northeast of the Commonwealth. The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a significant emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions.
Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
- Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
- Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
- Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
- Flush toilets only when needed.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
May 2022
As of the May 11th meeting of the Drought Management Task Force, the Cambridge drought level remains at a Level 0 – Normal Condition.
The Water Department will continue to monitor the meetings of the Drought Management Task Force for any changes in Cambridge’s drought status.
Although the drought level is Normal Condition in our region of the State, the Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
• Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
• Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
• Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
• Flush toilets only when needed.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status
July 2021
The Cambridge drought level remains at a Level 0 – Normal Condition.
The Water Department will continue to monitor the meetings of the Drought Management Task Force for any changes in Cambridge’s drought status.
Although the drought level is Normal Condition in our region of the State, the Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
• Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
• Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
• Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
• Flush toilets only when needed.
May 2021
The Cambridge drought level has returned to Level 0 – Normal Condition
Following normal or above normal rainfall, leading to the recovery of all indices, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides has declared a Level 0 – Normal Conditions in the Northeast (Cambridge) and Southeast Regions of the Commonwealth while the rest of the State remain in a Level 1 – Mild Drought Condition. The declaration is the result of a recommendation issued from a recent meeting of the Drought Management Task Force, comprised of state and federal officials, and other entities.
April 2021
The Cambridge drought level has returned to Level 1-Mild Drought.
With precipitation, streamflow, and groundwater below normal as the state enters the spring season, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides declared a Level 1-Mild Drought in the Western, CT River Valley, Central, Northeast, and Cape Cod Regions. In January 2021, the Cambridge drought level had been returned Level 0 – Normal Condition. The declarations were the result of a recommendation issued from a recent meeting of the Drought Management Task Force, comprised of state and federal officials, and other entities.
February 10, 2021
The Cambridge drought level has returned Level 0 – Normal Condition
Following almost three months of normal or above normal rainfall, leading to the recovery of all indices, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared an end to the drought in the Commonwealth and a Level 0 – Normal Condition in all seven regions of the state - Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Southeast, Cape Cod and Islands regions. All seven regions were experiencing Level 1-Mild Drought conditions last month. The declarations were the result of a recommendation issued from a recent meeting of the Drought Management Task Force, comprised of state and federal officials, and other entities.
To View the Latest drought update from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, please click this link
December 7, 2020
The Cambridge drought level continues to be Level 1 - mild drought level.
Following increased amounts of rainfall through the month of November, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared that drought conditions continue to improve or hold steady across the Commonwealth, with all seven regions of the state currently in a Level 1-Mild Drought. In the Southeast and Cape Cod Regions, conditions moved to a Level 1-Mild Drought after experiencing Level 2-Significant Drought conditions last month. In the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeastern, and Islands regions, conditions remained at a Level 1-Mild Drought, unchanged from last month’s declaration. Additionally, conditions improved in the Nashua River basin, which is now experiencing Level 1-Mild Drought conditions in line with the Central Region. A Level 1-Mild Drought, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance for the affected municipalities.
The drought was originally declared during the summer and continued to worsen. The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a significant emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions. Although the drought level remains the same, Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
• Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
• Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
• Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
• Flush toilets only when needed.
To View the December drought update from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, please click this link
November 9, 2020
Cambridge drought level has been reduced to a Level 1 – Mild Drought from a Level 3 – Critical Drought.
Following relatively higher amounts of rainfall in the final weeks of October, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared that drought conditions have improved in most regions of the Commonwealth. In the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeastern, and Islands regions, conditions improved to a Level 1-Mild Drought. In the Southeast Region, conditions moved to a Level 2-Signficiant Drought after experiencing Level 3-Critical Drought conditions last month. The Cape Cod Region remains at a Level 2-Significant Drought, unchanged from last month’s declaration. Additionally, conditions improved in the Charles and Millers River basins, which are now in a Level 1-Mild Drought in line with their regions after experiencing Level 3-Critical Drought conditions last month. Responding to worsening conditions in the Nashua River basin, Secretary Theoharides declared a Level 2-Significant Drought in the watershed.
October 9, 2020
Due to five months of below average rainfall the Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary has declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought in the Southeast Region as well as the Charles and Millers River basins of Massachusetts. The remainder of the state remains in a Level 2 Severe Drought condition. The drought was originally declared during the summer and has continued to worsen. The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a significant emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions. Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips:
- Stop or minimize all outdoor watering;
- Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often;
- Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands;
- Flush toilets only when needed.
To view the current drought status map, please follow this link: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
September 5, 2020
On September 4, 2020 – the Level 2 drought level remains unchanged from the previous month’s declaration.
A copy of the formal drought declaration letter can be seen using the following link:
Drought Declaration Letter
As of August 12, 2020 the Drought Management Task Force has recommended and the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs has declared a level 2 – Significant Drought.
Early Summer 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) has declared that Middlesex County and other locations in Massachusetts be categorized as being in at Level 1 a Mild Drought which is based on the updated State Drought Management plan put into use in September of 2019.
Drought Management Task Force Presentation
Additional Drought Related Resources
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/massachusetts