State Declares 'Critical Drought' In Charles River Watershed

WALTHAM, MA — The state Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs is asking that towns and cities in the Charles River watershed, which stretches from Boston to Waltham and beyond, curb water usage amid a stage three "critical drought" in the region.

The drought declaration comes after months of below-average rainfall and high summer temperatures. State officials are asking residents to conserve water as much as possible — including outdoor watering.

The advisory includes communities in the Charles River watershed like Brookline, Newton Waltham and Cambridge. At the same time residents are also being asked to be careful with outdoor fires and barbecues because of dry conditions.

"These very dry conditions cause an increased threat of brush and wildland fires, and we urge residents to exercise caution when using charcoal grills, matches, and other open flames during outdoor activities and to call 911 immediately if there is a fire to prevent the fire from spreading," MEMA Director Samantha Phillips said in a statement.

Although recent rain has brought some relief, local communities are well below usual totals. Newton saw less than an inch of rain in September, but the 30-year average for that month is about 3-¾ inches. May, June, July and August were also all below-average, according to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.

Most of the state has been in a drought all summer. This month a large section of the state became elevated to “severe drought” status, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor - the entire area stretching from Provincetown through Norfolk County. Portions of southern Worcester and Hampden counties and far northern Middlesex County are also in a severe drought status.

The drought declaration will remain in effect until water levels return to normal in the affected areas, according to the state.

-Patch reporter Neal McNamara reported this story.

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how .