Even with consistent rainfall this spring, the drought status in Massachusetts has worsened across the state.
All of the commonwealth is experiencing at least a mild drought. The state found the Connecticut River Valley, Central and Northeast regions — plus Nantucket County — are currently in a Level 2, or significant, drought. Conditions improved slightly on the Cape last week to a mild status.
Casey Brown, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at UMass Amherst, said the problem is below-average rainfall.
“Even though it’s been rainy in the last couple of weeks, we’re still in a deficit,” Brown said. “We’ve been, to some extent, in a form of a drought since last fall, and we’re still really making up for the deficit.”
Officials are urging residents to limit their water use and fix any indoor leaks in their homes to conserve water.
In March, Massachusetts received roughly 3 to 5.5 inches of rain, which is typical for time of year. But precipitation in April was well below average — with especially low rainfall across Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Over the past three to six months, most of Massachusetts has received only 60 to 90% of normal rainfall, according to the state’s drought monitor.
Brown out Massachusetts had an especially cold winter, which made the snow linger.
“Even though there wasn’t much precipitation taking place, the snow was there, which feels like precipitation,” he said. “I think a lot of us didn’t realize that the actual total precipitation was about 20 to 30% below normal.”
Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said, as the growing season continues, most communities have implemented water restrictions.
“Using water wisely, both outdoors and indoors, can help reduce stress on our water systems,” Tepper said in a statement. “These small actions add up and will help protect water supplies and lower the risk of impacts, including increased fire danger, later this summer.”
