Yes-we are all reliant on the same aquifer. What affects one, affects all. Namaste.
> On Sep 13, 2025, at 9:22 AM, Joan Kimball <[email protected]> wrote: > > And private wells use the same aquifer. > > > > > --Thich Nhat Hanh > > On Sat, Sep 13, 2025, 1:16 AM Sara Mattes <[email protected] > <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> 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] >>> <mailto:[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] >>> <mailto:[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. >>> >> >> -- >> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >> To post, send mail to [email protected] >> <mailto:[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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