MA EEA Declares Critical Drought
On November 19, 2024, MA Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought for the Western, Connecticut River Valley, and Southeast regions, which includes the Neponset River Watershed. Read more
Residents are urged to conserve water and stop all non-essential use.
How You Can Help
Residents and Businesses
- Fix Leaks. Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by:
- Checking water meters for constant dial movement
- Using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks
- Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas
- Learn more about finding and fixing leaks.
- Stop all non-essential water use
- Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are full
- Take shorter showers. Restrict shower length to five minutes or less and consider using a shower timer
- Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are WaterSense efficient
- Be extra cautious with outdoor fires, grills, and flammable materials
- Monitor total household water use shown on your bill for sudden increases, which often indicate leaks. Use the MA Home Water Use Calculator tool to evaluate household water use.
