Commonwealth Elevates Northeast Region To Level 3-Critical Drought Status

The Cambridge Water Department (CWD) carefully monitors the City’s water supply system on a weekly basis to ensure an adequate supply of water is available to meet the needs of our residents, businesses, and organizations.

As many know, there has been very limited precipitation in the area, particularly this fall and winter seasons with precipitation levels well below the average. Multiple reservoirs across the state are still experiencing decreases in water levels despite recent storms.

Due to the abnormally low levels, the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) elevated the Northeast Region of Massachusetts, which includes Cambridge, from a Level 2 - Significant Drought to a Level 3 - Critical Drought on Friday, February 7. Level 3 Droughts require detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to affected municipalities.

For Region in Level 3 – Critical Drought
Residents and Businesses are strongly recommended to:

• Minimize overall water use
• 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:

• 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.
  
  

Stop all non-essential water use

As noted by the State, you can conserve water in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, checking for leaks, and replacing appliances. Additional tips are available at Water Conservation - Water - City of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The City of Cambridge strongly recommends taking action now. Please be mindful of your water use and help promote water conservation. This will help allow our water reservoir system to recharge, while maintaining our water quality.

It is also important to remind the community that Cambridge has its own water supply and is also a member of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) system, which is capable of meeting 100% of the City’s water demand in the event that precautionary measure ever needs to be put in place.

For more information about the state Water Management Act, Water Resources Management Program, and Regulations, see the below links:

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter21G

https://www.mass.gov/water-management-act-program

https://www.mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-3600-massachusetts-water-resources-management-program

Additional Drought Related Resources

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