Significant drought declared in 10 Massachusetts counties

Ten of Massachusetts’ 14 counties are currently experiencing significant drought conditions, the state’s environmental affairs secretary declared Tuesday.

Barnstable, Berkshire, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Suffolk and Worcester Counties have all worsened to Level 2 drought conditions, the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs said in a press release. This is the third of five possible drought levels.

Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth Counties also worsened to Level 1-mild drought conditions, the environmental affairs department said. Only Dukes County now remains at Level 0-normal conditions.

Although the spring and early summer months brought much-needed rain, less than normal precipitation over the last three months has quickly moved many regions of the state back into a significant drought, the environmental affairs department said. August was a particularly dry month for Massachusetts, and three-month precipitation deficits remain widespread, with much of the state receiving 40-80% of normal rainfall.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant during this time and adhere to local water restrictions and practice water conservation,” state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in the release. “We can all do our part to prevent brush and forest fires by exercising caution with outdoor activities like campfires and the safe disposal of smoking materials.”

The state environmental affairs apartment asks that residents and businesses in areas experiencing drought conditions minimize both their indoor and outdoor water usage, fix leaks around their properties and abide by local water usage restrictions. Larger businesses can also help conserve water by undergoing a water audit to identify opportunities to limit its usage.