Cambridge’s Drought Status Downgraded to Mild; Reservoir Levels Remain Near Recent Historic Lows

While the Commonwealth this week downgraded Cambridge and the Northeast Region from a Level 2 Significant Drought to a Level 1 Mild Drought, the City's largest and primary storage reservoir remains at near recent historic lows. The Hobbs Brook Storage Reservoir is currently just 22 percent full and remains at its second-lowest level in the past 20 years. Although rainfall from last weekend provided some relief, Cambridge residents, businesses, and institutions are urged to continue conserving water to help protect the City's water supply and support the reservoir's long-term recovery.

Due to concerted water conservation efforts across the community, the City’s overall water consumption over the past year decreased approximately three percent from the prior year, enabling Cambridge to save roughly 160 millions of gallons of water. At this stage, the City has been able to and, with continued average precipitation and vigilant water conservation, expects to continue to meet demands this fall without having to purchase supplemental water from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA).

Per City ordinance, under a Level 1- Mild drought, required non-essential water restrictions remain in place.

Level 1 - Mild Drought

• All nonessential outdoor water uses restricted to no more than one day per week, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., except that watering of ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-held hose or watering cans may be permitted.

Below are recommendations for residents, business owners, and building managers during a Level 1 - Mild Drought, including those utilizing a private well. Strong adherence to these recommendations will help preserve existing reservoir levels.

For Regions in Level 1 - Mild Drought

• 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;
• Harvest rain water for outdoor watering.

For questions or more information, please contact the Cambridge Water Department at 617-349-4770, email CWD@cambridgema.gov or visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/Water.