On July 8, a drought watch and advisory was issued by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and two months later, we have seen little improvement, as streams continue to dry up.

U.S. Drought Monitor map, August 30, 2016.

In order to further reduce impacts on the Neponset River, which is at an all-time low, we are asking residents to take extra steps to conserve water, both inside and outside the home.

What should you do to help conserve?

• Stop watering your lawn and let it go dormant.  Let’s save our water for public health and safety.
  
• Take shorter showers.  Use a kitchen timer if you need a reminder.
• Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when completely full.
• Fix leaky faucets and “running” toilets. Small leaks waste hundreds of gallons of water a month.
• Follow your town’s watering restrictions.
• Upgrade to water efficient toilets, clothes washers, showerheads, and faucets.
• Make water efficiency a way of life.

See photos of drought impact on Neponset River.

Read more about the drought conditions.

MassDEP press release, August 12, 2016.