The Massachusetts Connecticut River Valley and Southeast Regions are now considered to be in Level 3 critical drought conditions, the Massachusetts energy and environmental affairs secretary Beth Card said Tuesday.
"With the majority of the state now experiencing a Level 3 critical drought, it is incredibly important that we all practice water conservation and adhere to local requirements and recommendations in order avoid over-stressing our water resources,” Card said in a news release.The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency says the continued dry, hot weather has increased drought-related hazards for much of Massachusetts, including the risk of fires.
As of Tuesday, at least 163 cities and towns in Massachusetts have implemented some form of mandatory or voluntary outdoor water use restrictions.