Drought Alert

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

Good afternoon,

Due to five months of below normal rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought in the Southeast Region of the Commonwealth and in the Millers and Charles River watersheds. The other six regions across the state — the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions— remain at a Level 2 – Significant Drought.

To enhance awareness on the current drought conditions, EEA is asking local, state and regional partners and stakeholder groups to assist in disseminating this critical information to residents, businesses, and farms in their respective communities.

Attached is a one page “Drought Alert” that provides information on the current drought conditions and how communities across the Commonwealth can do their part as it relates to water conservation and outdoor fire safety. Please consider using the attached document when making outreach to your communities.

For more information on the current drought conditions, and technical guidance regarding drought management actions, please visit www.mass.gov/ma-drought-management.