North Andover — In response to the fifth consecutive month of abnormally dry conditions across the Commonwealth, Governor Charlie Baker today outlined continued actions to be taken by state agencies to assist Massachusetts’ residents, farmers and municipalities as the region continues to face the effects associated with prolonged drought conditions. Joined by state and federal officials at Smolak Farms, Governor Baker’s announcement followed the recent declaration of a drought warning for central and northeast Massachusetts; a drought watch for southeast Massachusetts and the Connecticut River Valley; and a drought advisory for western Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the islands.
To promote public water conservation, the Baker-Polito Administration is encouraging the public to adopt water-saving techniques into daily routines to assist with extremely low groundwater and stream flow levels around Massachusetts. Outdoor techniques include limiting outdoor water use; covering swimming pools when not in use to prevent evaporative loss; and sweeping driveways, walks, patios and other outdoor areas with a broom rather than hosing them off. Indoor water conservation techniques include reducing shower time to five minutes or less, washing only full loads of laundry and dishes, turning off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving, and fixing water leaks in household items. Additionally, the Baker-Polito Administration has instructed all state-run and state-owned facilities to take appropriate measures to conserve water.
The Baker-Polito Administration is also reminding residents throughout Massachusetts to be cognizant of the extremely dry conditions and to be extra careful when using grills, matches, candles or open flames outdoors, and to be especially mindful about disposing of smoking materials in proper containers. State fire officials remain engaged with fire departments and municipal water suppliers to ensure there is a heightened preparedness in case of a major fire, and have mutual aid plans in place to provide response for situations where water supply issues arise. Individuals are also encouraged to heed local orders and restrictions and take all necessary precautions to prevent fires that may spread quickly. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is working with other state agencies to ensure that cities and towns have the necessary information and support so they can implement appropriate measures to conserve water and ensure that the water needs of the community are met.
Recognizing the adverse effect drought conditions have on the Commonwealth’s agricultural industry and other crucial economic sectors, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development is refocusing a larger percentage of state small business technical assistance grants to community development corporations in effected counties and working with state and industry officials to develop a Massachusetts Drought Emergency Loan Fund that will provide working capital to family farms and small businesses affected by the drought and bridge the gap to federal assistance for impacted agricultural businesses. Additionally the Baker-Polito Administration continues to consult with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency to determine the full scope of the drought’s impacts on the Commonwealth’s agricultural industry. Other measures currently underway include continued assessment of crop damage statewide, and the development a complete list of state and federal resources available for farmers with economic hardships as a result of the drought.
The declaration of a drought warning, drought watch, and drought advisory requires the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force to meet on a regular basis to more closely assess conditions across the state; coordinate dissemination of information to the public; and help state, federal and local agencies prepare any responses that may be needed in the future. The Task Force will next meet in September. For further information on water conservation, visit the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s drought management page and water conservation page.
