‘Extreme Drought’ Conditions Take Hold In Reading, Eastern Mass.

READING, MA — Severe weather that brought rain and high winds to communities north of Boston in recent days still wasn't enough to bust the region's lingering drought conditions, according to state and federal drought experts.

Instead, the situation has now worsened, as noted by the U.S. Drought Monitor, which has identified "extreme drought" conditions across a large stretch of Eastern Massachusetts from the Cape Ann area, through Greater Boston and south into Bristol County and Cape Cod.

The state similarly announced this week that conditions had “deteriorated.” The drought, officials warned, is leading to everything from decreased water levels in local waterways to heightened fire activity.

The state offered tips on water conservation alongside its most recent announcement on Thursday.

Many area communities have faced tight water conservation measures in recent months as drought conditions have escalated.

In Reading, the town is one of 32 municipalities and agencies that draws its water through the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. The authority, in turn, pulls from the Quabbin Reservoir and the Wachusett Reservoir. The authority is not experiencing drought conditions according to its standards.

Town Department of Public Works staff have been monitoring water levels, nonetheless, with officials sharing tips and a general call for conservation measures earlier this week.

Standard summer restrictions are in place, town officials added.

Watering is allowed Monday through Sunday from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. through 8 p.m. Even numbered addresses may water on even numbered days, while odd numbered addresses may water on odd numbered days. There are no restrictions on hand-held watering devices.

“Although MWRA will not be issuing mandatory water restrictions on our member communities, it is always important to conserve water wherever you can, so that if the drought continues, we will have the water we need,” the town noted in a statement on social media on Monday.