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Harbor and Environment

State moves Cape Ann's region to Level 2, a significant drought

The Northeast Region went from a mild drought to a significant one on Oct. 9, even after a wet September elsewhere in the state. Here is what the state asks residents and towns to do.

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By Ana Lucia · Saturday, October 10How we work

Trust Check: Checked against public records

Massachusetts moved the Northeast Region, which includes Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea, from Level 1, a mild drought, to Level 2, a significant drought, on Friday, Oct. 9.

The declaration came from Rebecca Tepper, the state's Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. It is the first change for the region since Sept. 10, when the state eased it to Level 1.

Why, after a rainy September

The state says September rain ranged from 5 to 12 inches across Massachusetts, but the lowest totals were in northeastern and western Massachusetts. Groundwater is still short in the eastern part of the state, which kept those regions in drought.

The same declaration returned the Connecticut River Valley Region to normal. The Cape Cod Region and Nantucket County are also at Level 2, and the Southeast Region is at Level 1.

What the state asks of residents and businesses

For regions at Level 2, the state asks people to:

  • use less water overall,
  • follow local water rules,
  • fix indoor leaks from toilets, faucets and showers, and
  • for larger buildings and businesses, check for leaks and ways to save water.

The state "strongly" urges residents and businesses to check with their local water system, since some towns have stricter rules in place.

What the state asks of towns

For Level 2, the state's first steps for cities and towns are to limit or ban washing sidewalks, driveways, siding, cars and boats, and to set targets for cutting water use and reach out to the biggest users.

Each town sets its own rules. Rockport already bans all outdoor water use. Read why Rockport banned outdoor watering. What Rockport's water committee discussed this week. Read the water rules for each town.

What comes next

The state's drought task force meets again Thursday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m. The state's drought page also has a list of common questions and advice for people with private wells.

Rain is in the forecast Sunday night and Monday. See this weekend's forecast and tides.

Sources

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