Critical Drought in Charles River Watershed — CRWA In the News
This month the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) declared a Level 3-Critical Drought in Massachusetts' Central and Northeast regions, including the entirety of the Charles River watershed. This marks a significant escalation from the Level 1-Mild Drought status issued last month following over three months of below-normal rainfall, exacerbating drought conditions. Read more in Universal Hub and the Revere Journal.
“Climate change is driving more frequent and severe droughts, yet even in the face of these extreme conditions, the state lacks the authority to mandate outdoor watering restrictions—it can only recommend them,” said Cabell Eames, Advocacy Director for Charles River Watershed Association. “Water doesn’t respect municipal boundaries, so why should it be up to individual towns to decide how to manage water use during droughts? The Drought Management bill would allow the state to enforce outdoor watering restrictions at the regional level during declared droughts, ensuring consistency, fairness, and better protection for our rivers and water supplies.”
