Governor Advises Residents Conserve Water as State Responds to Deepening Drought

NORTH ANDOVER, MA – Rounding out five straight months of abnormally dry conditions and a new declaration that even more of the state is under "extreme drought" conditions, Gov. Charlie Baker joined other state officials Thursday in calling on the public to conserve water, as the state steps up its response.

“With much of Massachusetts continuing to experience extremely dry conditions, I am asking the public to administer best water conservation practices for the foreseeable future,” Baker said.

He called on residents to minimize water use, and listed the following suggested steps in a subsequent press release:

• covering swimming pools when not in use to prevent losing water to evaporation
• sweeping driveways, walks, patios, and other outdoor areas with a broom rather than hosing them off
• reducing shower times to five minutes or less
• washing only full loads of laundry and dishes
• turning off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving
• fixing water leaks in household items

Baker also reminded residents to check with their local officials to see what water restrictions are in place, and to be cognizant of the increased fire hazards created by the dry temperatures.

Standing under blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and 88 degrees of sun, Baker addressed reporters from Smolak Farms in North Andover.

Farmers have been hardest hit by the prolonged dry period, and state officials said Thursday they are working to increase the availability of small business technical assistance grants in impacted counties and to develop a Massachusetts Drought Emergency Loan Fund. They're also working to measure and assess the drought's damage to farms, and compile a list of all available state and federal resources.

• Read More: Extreme Drought Swallowing Up State; MA Weather Forecast

One thing everyone can do is to buy local farmers' products, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash said.

"Massachusetts farmers markets and farm stands still have top-quality produce for sale, and they have our full support," he said.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is working with state agencies and municipalities to ensure local needs are met, should the drought conditions get worse.

“We have not reached the point where demand for water exceeds supply, but we are planning and developing the capacity to provide large volumes of bottled water to multiple communities and to provide tankers of potable water to replenish municipal tanks," Public Safety Secretary Dan Bennett said. "We are also working with local fire chiefs to ensure mutual aid agreements and plans are in place so adequate supplies of water are available to support firefighting needs.”

For further information on water conservation and what you can do, visit the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s drought management page and the MassDEP Water Conservation page.