September 9, 2025:
Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared that drought in the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast Regions and Nantucket County has worsened to a Level-2 Significant Drought. The Southeast Region has moved from normal conditions to Level-1 Mild Drought, while the Cape Cod Region remains at a Level-2 Significant drought, and Dukes County still in Normal Conditions.
SBWSB storage capacity is currently at 80% of its water supply, at approximately 4 billion gallons, which are maintained in the three reservoirs managed by the SBWSB. This is a typical condition for SBWSB at this time of year, due to the robust water supply system the SBWSB owns and maintains, and that Salem and Beverly have invested in.
The requirement for water use restrictions is NOT related to supply at the SBWSB. SBWSB has ample water supplies, as stated above, however the City is required to implement the water use restrictions per MassDEP’s WMA and therefore asks you to refrain from watering outdoors and to conserve water. Water conservation is a positive practice regardless of drought conditions and can save you money.
https://www.mass.gov/conservemawater for additional tips on water conservation.
*Nonessential Outdoor Water Use: means every use that is not required for essential purposes (310 CMR 36.03) including but not limited to irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems, washing of vehicles, washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, or filling private swimming pools.
State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help federal, state, and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. The DMTF will meet again on Wednesday, October 8th at 10:00 AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.
Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 1 – Mild Drought and Level 2 – Significant Drought, including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are strongly urged to check with their local water system in case more stringent watering restrictions are in place. Many systems may have other more severe local conditions and constraints on water supply.
For Regions in Level 1 – Mild Drought
Residents and Businesses:
- Minimize overall water use;
- Limit outdoor watering to one day per week from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM, or less frequently if required by your water supplier;
- 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; and,
- Harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.
Communities:
- Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials;
- Provide timely drought and water conservation information to residents and businesses;
- Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
- Develop a local drought management plan (learn more DPG here).
For Regions in Level 2 – Significant Drought
Residents and Businesses:
- Minimize overall water use;
- Limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m.;
- Follow local water use restrictions;
- Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use; and,
- For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.
Immediate Steps for Communities/Municipalities:
- Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for Drought Level 2 which calls for limiting outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m. If local restrictions are more stringent, continue to keep them in place during the course of the drought.
- Limit or prohibit washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; and,
- Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users, identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.
Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities/Municipalities:
- Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s library of outreach materials;
- Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;
- Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates;
- Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and,
- Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.