I would hope all in Lincoln would have shut off their auto-sprinkler systems. Ag. needs the water. Our lawns not!
> On Sep 12, 2025, at 5:23 PM, Bob Antia via Lincoln <[email protected]> > wrote: > > > FYI > > -Bob Antia > > > > > Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency > > Good afternoon – > > > > MEMA is forwarding this message on behalf of the Drought Management Task > Force. > > > > > > Good afternoon, > > > > Due to continued below normal rainfall over the last three months, Energy and > Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared a Level 2 - > Significant Drought in the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, > Northeast and Cape Cod Regions and on Nantucket County in the Islands Region, > Level 1 - Mild Drought in the Southeast Region, and Normal Conditions on > Dukes County in the Islands Region. Please see the below press release with > this declaration. > > > > Drought is a look back of cumulative conditions over a period of time. And > although recent rains have brought some reprieve and helped with increasing > soil moisture levels, the overall deficits in our hydrological systems > continue. To enhance awareness on the current drought conditions, EEA and > MEMA are asking local, state and regional partners and stakeholder groups to > assist in disseminating this critical information to residents, businesses > and institutions in their respective communities. We seek water conservation > all across the state, as per the attached. Note that there may be further > constraints on some local water supplies where additional restrictions may > apply. > > > > Attached are several outreach products for your use: > > · a one page “Drought Alert” (as a pdf and jpg) that > provides information on the current drought conditions and how communities > across the Commonwealth can do their part to help conserve water, prevent > wildfires and prepare for droughts. > > · infographics for Level 1 and Level 2 droughts > > > > We have also developed two short videos that cover the topics of why drought > gets declared even when there has been recent rainfall and why water > suppliers sometimes have to implement water use restrictions when there are > no immediate supply constraints on their systems. Both videos are available > at: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-tips-tools-resources. > > > > For more information on the current drought conditions, technical guidance > regarding drought management actions and for drought-related tools and > outreach materials, please visit www.mass.gov/ma-drought-management > <http://www.mass.gov/ma-drought-management>; for water conservation > information, go to www.mass.gov/conservemawater > <http://www.mass.gov/conservemawater>. > > > > Sincerely, > > Vandana Rao > > p.s. Please let me know if you do not wish to receive these alerts. > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Vandana M. Rao, Ph.D. > Director of Water Policy > Executive Director, Water Resources Commission > Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs > 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 > Boston, MA 02114 > Office: (617) 721-3884 > www.mass.gov/conservemawater <http://www.mass.gov/conservemawater> > www.mass.gov/drought <http://www.mass.gov/drought> > Keep Up-to-Date with Water News on: MassWaters Instagram > <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.instagram.com/masswaters/__;!!CPANwP4y!TQPe4hmouW9gZo2-NSFDvsDX1g7NVM8QNlYiC1FXzOnwGWkJTx50E1U9vvvOf7kfcFwt1T99nmVtI1hbIp9aV5Xy-v54tmfcFWOhsQ$> > Massachusetts Environmental Trust& Environmental License Plates: > www.mass.gov/eea/met <http://www.mass.gov/eea/met>; Facebook > <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.facebook.com/whaleplate__;!!CPANwP4y!TQPe4hmouW9gZo2-NSFDvsDX1g7NVM8QNlYiC1FXzOnwGWkJTx50E1U9vvvOf7kfcFwt1T99nmVtI1hbIp9aV5Xy-v54tmcONJAhhA$>, > Instagram > <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.instagram.com/met_env_licenseplates__;!!CPANwP4y!TQPe4hmouW9gZo2-NSFDvsDX1g7NVM8QNlYiC1FXzOnwGWkJTx50E1U9vvvOf7kfcFwt1T99nmVtI1hbIp9aV5Xy-v54tmc381Bkug$>, > LinkedIn > <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.linkedin.com/company/massachusetts-environmental-trust-met__;!!CPANwP4y!TQPe4hmouW9gZo2-NSFDvsDX1g7NVM8QNlYiC1FXzOnwGWkJTx50E1U9vvvOf7kfcFwt1T99nmVtI1hbIp9aV5Xy-v54tme7DA_e7g$> > > > > > From: Revolus, Aisha (EEA) <[email protected] > <mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 2:40 PM > Subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Significant Drought Conditions Declared in > Several Regions > > > > <image.png> > > > > FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: > > September 9, 2025 > > > > CONTACT: > > Aisha Revolus, > [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > > > > > Significant Drought Conditions Declared in Several Regions > > > > > > Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast Regions and Nantucket > County have worsened to a Level-2 Significant Drought, Southeast Region has > been raised to a Level-1 Mild Drought > > > > > > <image.png> > > > > > BOSTON – > 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 a Level-1 Mild Drought, while the Cape Cod Region > remains at a Level-2 Significant > Drought, and Dukes County still in Normal Conditions. > > > > Drought is a look back on conditions over a period of time. Although the > spring and early summer months brought much-needed rainfall, which helped > bring > many regions out of drought, below normal rainfall over the last three > months has quickly moved these regions back into a significant drought. > August was notably dry in Massachusetts, with most areas observing 1 to 2 > inches or more below normal rainfall. However, > some areas of Central Massachusetts did experience near- to above-normal > precipitation. Three-month precipitation deficits remain widespread, with > much of the state seeing only 40-80% of normal rainfall. > > > > “Warmer summers mean dryer environmental conditions in our parks, forests and > communities. As several regions experience significant drought conditions, > we must be mindful of these additional factors,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca > Tepper. “We urge the public to remain vigilant during this time and adhere to > local water restrictions and practice water conservation. 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.” > > > > Streamflow has declined significantly in Massachusetts resulting in dry > streambeds, the ponding of rivers, and exposed banks along ponds and lakes. > Habitats, > vegetation and fish migration out to sea have been impacted as a result of > drought conditions. Groundwater levels are mostly normal across the region, > but are quickly declining, especially on Cape Cod and Nantucket, where they > are already below normal. Although, > recent rainfall has provided some relief, the lack of precipitation and > higher temperatures have increased the risk for outdoor fires. > > > > As outlined in the > Massachusetts Drought Management Plan > <https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-drought-management-plan/download>, > a Level 1 – Mild Drought and a Level 2 – Significant Drought require > detailed monitoring of drought conditions. These levels also require ongoing > coordination among state and federal agencies to implement drought response > actions such as water use restrictions. > Additionally, engagement with municipalities, including local Boards of > Health, is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and > assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities. > > > > The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected and analyzed data from > August 2024 through August 2025. Residents can report dry environmental > conditions > and submit photos to help monitor the situation on the Massachusetts Water > Impact Reporter <http://www.mass.gov/wir> > (here). > <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/55e12399904742afab7d7cc5fca0ea18__;!!CPANwP4y!TQPe4hmouW9gZo2-NSFDvsDX1g7NVM8QNlYiC1FXzOnwGWkJTx50E1U9vvvOf7kfcFwt1T99nmVtI1hbIp9aV5Xy-v54tmegkTaiqg$> > Additionally, a > > FAQ > <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/202425-drought-frequently-asked-questions-faqs> > is now available for questions regarding the current drought status and > water conservation. > > > > The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will > continue to assist communities in managing their water systems. The > Massachusetts > Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing > drought conditions. > > > > 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 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., 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/Municipalities: > > > · > Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public > education and communication, taking advantage of the state’s > library of outreach materials > <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/water-resources-toolkit-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 > here <https://www.mass.gov/guides/drought-planning-guidance>). > > > > 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 > <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/water-resources-toolkit-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 > <https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-drought-management-plan/download>. > > > > 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 > <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-management-task-force-meetings> > 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 <https://www.mass.gov/guides/drought-management-in-massachusetts> > and water conservation <https://www.mass.gov/conservemawater> > pages. > > > > > > > > > ### > > > > This message has been sent from MEMA's ESF Team Listserv. > > > > <MA Drought Alert - Sept 12, 2025.pdf><MA Drought Alert - Sept 12, > 2025.jpg><2022-DroughtStatusInfographic-Lv2-R3-01.jpg><2022-DroughtStatusInfographic-Lv2-R3-02.jpg><level-1-mild-drought-infographic_residents > and businesses.pdf>-- > The LincolnTalk mailing list. > To post, send mail to [email protected]. > Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. > Change your subscription settings at > https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >
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