Published in the August 17, 2016 edition
WAKEFIELD — The Northeast Region of Massachusetts, which includes Wakefield, has been elevated to a Drought Warning. When a Drought Warning level is issued, outdoor watering should be eliminated, the state has strongly urged.
Wakefield DPW Director Richard Stinson said today that while the recommendation is not technically a ban on outdoor watering, such a ban may be the next step.
With most of Massachusetts continuing to experience dry conditions for a fifth straight month, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton has declared the following drought levels throughout the Commonwealth: a Drought Warning for Central and Northeast Massachusetts, up from a Drought Watch in July. The declaration was the result of a recommendation issued from a recent meeting of the Drought Management Task Force, comprised of state, federal and local officials and will remain in effect until water levels return to normal in the affected regions.
“The declaration represents the lasting agricultural, environmental, economic and public safety impacts associated with prolonged drought conditions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. The public is strongly encouraged to limit outdoor water usage and integrate water-saving techniques into their daily routines.”
“With drought conditions persisting and worsening in some areas, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is asking the public to actively conserve water by reducing indoor and outdoor water usage,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. “Additionally, because of the increased threat of brush and wildland fires due to the extremely dry conditions, the public is urged to exercise extreme caution when using matches, charcoal grills and other open flames during outdoor activities.”
A Drought Warning indicates consecutive months of groundwater, stream flow and reservoir levels being below normal and initiates a much more concerted set of government responses including instating water restrictions and more intensified monitoring and coordination between the agencies. Areas within the Drought Warning are currently experiencing precipitation levels 5-8 inches below normal over past four months.
The state continues to intensely monitor and assess the drought situation and environmental and agricultural impacts and asks the public to be mindful of the amount of water they are using and to limit outdoor water use to ensure essential needs such as drinking water, fire protection and crop hydration are being met.
