Charles River Watershed Enters Month Six of Drought

Powissett Brook in Dover, during normal conditions (left) and drought conditions (right)

In October 2024, the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) declared a drought across the state. This isn’t uncommon. Summer is typically the driest season, with minimal precipitation and high temperatures leading to significant groundwater evaporation. By November, the drought had escalated from Level 1 (Mild) to Level 3 (Critical). The state had experienced more than three months of below-normal rainfall, drastically reducing water levels in the Charles River, causing some riverbeds to dry up entirely. 

As of March 2025, drought conditions remain dire. Despite the winter’s multiple snowstorms and spring rains, most of the state remains in a critical drought –the Western, Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands Regions remain at Level 2 (Significant) drought. Unfortunately, the precipitation we've received since October has been insufficient to restore groundwater levels to normal.

Water is our planet’s most valuable resource, and the ongoing drought poses serious risks to our communities and the environment. With over seven months of below-average precipitation, we must prepare for continued drought impacts as we head into spring and summer. This prolonged dry season has devastating consequences on the river’s ecosystem, wildlife, and the many people who depend on healthy rivers for drinking water, recreation, and enjoyment. The drought also raises wildfire concerns, as seen in the western part of the state back in November.

Droughts are becoming more frequent, long-lasting, and severe due to climate change. In 2016, our watershed experienced the most significant drought since the 1960s. Then another severe drought in 2020, 2022, and now again. 

Charles River Watershed Association collaborates with state and local agencies to monitor drought conditions closely and track ecological impacts. We are advocating at the State House for the passing of a Drought Bill (An Act relative to maintaining adequate water supplies through effective drought management) to create a statewide response to drought. To learn more about the Drought Bill and advocate with us, visit our legislation page. 

During a Level-3 drought, residents are urged to minimize overall water use, fix any toilet or faucet leaks, and refrain from non-essential water use. Additionally, caution should be exercised when using outdoor fires or grills.