GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection declared a Critical Drought, or level 3 drought, in the Connecticut River Valley Region. With the Critical Drought status comes a ban on all nonessential outdoor water uses.
The city of Greenfield has shared tips for residents and businesses: minimize water use and in particular indoor water use, run dishwashers and washing machines only when full, fix any leaks, and take shorter showers.
From the City of Greenfield:
State Declares Critical Drought in Greenfield and the Connecticut River Valley Region
All nonessential outdoor water uses are now banned until further notice.
GREENFIELD – On Thursday, November 21, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protections declared a Critical Drought, or level 3 drought, in the Connecticut River Valley Region. This conclusion follows more than a month of decreased rainfall and the growing frequency of wildfires in Massachusetts.
Previously, the state issued a Significant Drought warning on November 12 for Greenfield. The biggest change that comes with a Critical Drought is all nonessential outdoor water uses are now banned until further notice.
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.
Here are some important tips residents and businesses should follow:
· 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
For any additional information on the Critical Drought, please visit:
https://www.mass.gov/news/critical-drought-declared-across-massachusetts