Commonwealth Elevates Cambridge and Northeast Region To Critical Drought Status

Despite the considerable snowfall that Cambridge and the greater region has had this winter, drought conditions have been elevated due to limited groundwater recharge this winter.

The Secretary of the Commonwealth's Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) elevated the Northeast Region of Massachusetts, which includes Cambridge, from a Level 2 - Significant Drought to a Level 3 - Critical Drought earlier this week.

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.

Although parts of Massachusetts received upwards of three feet of snow in February, that snowfall has not yet helped improve drought conditions. Even with the snow melting, three feet of snow equals only about two and a half inches of water, which is not enough to fully recharge rivers, lakes, ponds, and groundwater after months of below-average precipitation and overall substantial water deficits.

The above-normal temperatures that Massachusetts is now experiencing and the upcoming rains will start to slowly replenish water systems and be reflected in monthly totals for the month of March.

For Level 3 - Critical Drought Status

In response to the ongoing drought, Cambridge has implemented strict water use restrictions. Per City Ordinance, all non-essential outdoor water use is currently prohibited. For a full list of essential uses, visit: Drought Status | Mass.gov

The City of Cambridge strongly recommends taking action now. Residents and Businesses are strongly recommended to:

• Minimize overall water use
• 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:

• Reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer
• 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.

Residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to be mindful of water use and to help promote water conservation. This will help allow our water reservoir system to recharge, while maintaining water quality.

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.

It is important to remind the community that Cambridge has its own water supply and is also a member of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) system, which is capable of meeting 100% of the City's water demand in the event that precautionary measure ever needs to be put in place.

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

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-drought-status

https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/massachusetts