Commonwealth Elevates Cambridge and Northeast Region To Critical Drought Status

The Secretary of the Commonwealth's Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) declared a Level 3 - Critical Drought for the Northeast Region, which includes Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk Counties, as well as the City of Cambridge. The City and broader region were previously in a Level 2 - Significant Drought before being elevated to a Level 3 - Critical Drought last week.

The designation follows years of below-average rainfall and declining streamflow across the state, signaling worsening drought conditions and increasing stress on local water supplies. During the first two weeks of May, much of the Northeast Region received only 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain. Rivers and streams throughout the region are running below normal levels, an indicator that groundwater continues to shrink.

Level 3 Droughts require detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to affected municipalities. The Cambridge Water Department carefully monitors the City's water supply system on a weekly basis to ensure an adequate supply of water is available to meet the needs of our residents, businesses, and organizations."While we did have a wet Memorial Day weekend and occasional rain in the spring, it has not been enough to fully replenish our water systems and prepare us for a potentially hotter and drier summer," said Mark Gallagher, Director of the Cambridge Water Department. "We need residents and businesses to take action now, promote water conservation, and implement strict water use restrictions to help us avoid having to supplement our water supply."

For Level 3 - Critical Drought Status

Per City Ordinance, all non-essential outdoor water use is currently prohibited. For a full list of essential uses, visit: Drought Status | Mass.gov

Residents and Businesses are strongly recommended to:

• Minimize overall water use
• Stop all non-essential outdoor watering
• Follow state water conservation actions and any local water use restrictions
• Monitor total household water use shown on your water bill for sudden increases, which often indicate leaks. Use the MA Home Water Use Calculator tool to evaluate household water use.
• Fix any toilet or faucet leaks immediately.
• Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by:
  • Checking water meters for constant dial movement
  • Using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks
    • The Cambridge Water Department provides free dye tabs, which can be picked up during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.) in the foyer of the Fresh Pond WTP located at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway.
• Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas
• Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes. Run the dishwasher only on a full load.

Aggressively reduce indoor water use by:

• Taking showers, reducing shower length and avoiding baths
• Running washing machines only on a full load
• Not letting water run while brushing and shaving
• Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones. Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are WaterSense labeled.You can conserve water in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, checking for leaks, and replacing appliances. Tips are available at Water Conservation - Water - City of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Drought Ordinance and Enforcement Reminders

In January 2023, amendments to the Massachusetts Water Management Act were passed requiring all public water suppliers to establish enforceable restrictions limiting non-essential outdoor water use during any drought declarations by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. On April 7, 2025, the Cambridge City Council's Ordinance Committee ordained the proposed updates to the Cambridge Municipal Code (Chapters 13.08 and 13.12) to strengthen local drought response and enforcement. These amendments are aligned with state guidance under 310 CMR 36.00.

Key updates included:

• The City Manager or Managing Director of the Water Department must restrict non-essential outdoor water use during a state-declared drought.
• The Water Board may impose stricter restrictions than the state minimum if necessary.
• Enforceable Penalties for water ban violations were established.

ANY VIOLATION OF THE WATER USE RESTRICTIONS will now result in the following penalties:

• WARNING FOR 1ST VIOLATION
• $100 FINE FOR 2nd VIOLATION
• $200 FOR 3rd VIOLATION
• $300/PER DAY FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION

Violations may be enforced through criminal or noncriminal proceedings by designated City staff, police officers, or the Animal Commission.

Drought status updates will be published on the Water Department's website, the City's Daily Update newsletter, social media accounts, media outlets, and by other means reasonably calculated to reach and inform all users of water of the state of water supply conservation.

Additional Drought Related Resources: