GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — A Level 2 drought has been declared for Greenfield and the Connecticut River Valley Region by Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. The announcement came Tuesday and follows more than a month of decreased rainfall and growing frequency of wildfires in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protections is encouraging everyone to reduce water use at this time.
From the City of Greenfield:
State Declares Significant Drought in Greenfield and the Connecticut River Valley Region
GREENFIELD – On Tuesday, November 12, Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared a Significant Drought, or level 2 drought, in Greenfield and the Connecticut River Valley Region. This conclusion follows more than a month of decreased rainfall and the growing frequency of wildfires in Massachusetts.
Since August, all regions, except Cape and Islands, have seen a rainfall deficit of 7 to 9 inches. Streamflow has dropped significantly, resulting in dry brooks and streambeds, increased ponding, exposed beaches and sediments, and limited fish passage. Groundwater levels are declining in all regions.
Although most restrictions on outdoor water use in water management permits expired on
September 30, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protections is encouraging everyone to continue to reduce water use at this time.
Here are some important tips residents and businesses should follow during a Significant Drought:
· Minimize overall water use and be particularly mindful of indoor water use
· Run dishwashers and washing machines only at full capacity.
· Fix leaks
· Take shorter showers
Here are the following conditions that public water suppliers and golf courses must follow:
· Public Water Suppliers (PWS) – All nonessential outdoor water uses are banned, except that watering of ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-hold hose or watering cans may be permitted.
· PWSs that impose mandatory use restrictions are required to notify MassDEP, per 310 CMR 22.15(8). PWSs that impose voluntary water use restrictions are asked to notify MassDEP as well. A MassDEP Notification of Water Use Restriction form can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/outdoor-water-use-restrictions-for-cities-towns-and-golf-courses#current-city-and-town-water-restrictions-.
Send the completed form to Brittany Segill by email at brittany.segill@mass.gov, or by US Mail to MassDEP Water Management Program, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114.
· Golf Courses – All golf courses must reduce irrigation of fairways to 60 percent of normal, with no irrigation of roughs, landscaping and ornamentals.
· Registrants are required to notify MassDEP they put their Seasonal Demand Management lan (SDMP) in place. Permittees should review their permit and notify MassDEP if required in the SDMP. The Notification of Water Use Restriction form for golf courses can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/outdoor-water-use-restrictions-for-cities-towns-and-golf-courses. Please send completed golf course restriction forms to Linjun Yao at linjun.yao@mass.gov or by US Mail to MassDEP Water Management Program, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114.