29 June, 2020
Message from Hopkinton Water-Sewer Manager, Eric Carty: Hopkinton has been declared Level 2 Drought Status by the state.
View full State Drought Report: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status
State Report:
"Early in 2020, above normal temperatures and near-normal precipitation caused dry conditions on and off in some parts of the state until a wet April. However, that was not sufficient to allow for a full recovery of groundwater levels which are critical to sustain streamflow in the summer. In May, all of the state except for the Islands experienced a significant precipitation deficit for the month, especially in the Western, Central, Northeast and Cape Cod Regions.
For the 30-days between May 22-June 23, 2020:
May precipitation dropped off significantly continuing into June
Although the monthly average streamflow for May was normal for all Regions, the last week of May daily average streamflow fell across the state and dropped off significantly into June. The last 28-day overview ended with over 80% of streams below normal to significantly below normal.
Groundwater levels ranged from normal to significantly below at individual sites. Recent high temperatures have contributed to overall deteriorating conditions. Groundwater is starting to follow the decreasing trend in the Western, CT River Valley, and Central Regions
Recent high temperatures have contributed to deteriorating conditions
The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides declared a Level 2-Significant Drought in the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central and Northeast Region. The Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions are at Level 0-Normal, although conditions are dry in the Southeast and Cape Cod regions.
The state asks residents in the Connecticut River Valley, Western, Central, and Northeast regions to be mindful of the amount of water they are using, and to be proactive in reducing or eliminating outdoor water use, and reduce indoor water use, address plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Limiting nonessential outdoor watering is one of the most effective ways to minimize the impacts of drought on water supply and the environment, and ensure there is enough water for fire protection. All these steps will help reduce water use to ensure essential needs such as drinking water and fire protection are being met, and habitats have enough water to recover."
