Drought Status

Approved Essential Water Uses

Water Conservation Tips

 

Current Drought Status for Cambridge = Level 3 - Critical Drought

Per City Ordinance 

 All nonessential outdoor water uses are banned.


Drought Status Map May 22, 2026

May 22, 2026:

Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought for the Northeast Region, which includes Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk Counties, as well as the Town of Brookline. The designation follows years of below-average rainfall and declining streamflow across the state, signaling worsening drought conditions and increasing stress on local water supplies.

During the first two weeks of May, much of the Northeast Region received only 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain. Rivers and streams throughout the region are running below normal levels, an indicator that groundwater continues to shrink.

For Regions in Level 3 – Critical Drought

Residents and Businesses:

  • Minimize overall water use;
  • Stop all non-essential outdoor watering;
  • 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
    • 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:
    • Taking showers and avoiding baths
    • Reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer
    • Running washing machines only on a full load
    • Not letting water run while brushing and shaving
    • Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones. Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are WaterSense labeled
  • WARNING FOR 1ST VIOLATION
  • $100 FINE FOR 2nd VIOLATION
  • $200 FOR 3rd VIOLATION
  • $300/PER DAY FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION
Violations may be enforced through criminal or noncriminal proceedings by designated City staff, police officers, or the Animal Commission.

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.