Cambridge and Northeast Region’s Drought Status Downgraded to Significant Drought

The Secretary of the Commonwealth's Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) last week reduced the Cambridge and Northeast region drought level status from a Level 3 - Critical Drought to a Level 2 - Significant Drought. Cambridge has been in a Critical Drought since late May 2026.

Under a Level 2 -- Significant Drought, all nonessential outdoor water uses remain prohibited, except the watering of ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation. Hand-held hose or watering cans may be permitted.

"Above-average rainfall in July improved drought conditions across much of Massachusetts, however, Cambridge reservoirs remain low and, in a deficit," said Mark Gallagher, Director of the Cambridge Water Department. "In response, Cambridge continues to implement strict water use restrictions to help our water reservoir system continue to recharge."

Private residential sprinkler systems (both above ground and installed underground sprinklers), filling pools, washing cars, and pressure washing patios or sidewalks remain prohibited.

Only outdoor water use deemed essential is allowed, such as for:

• Health and safety (e.g. firefighting, municipal pipe flushing, splash pads)
• Growing food, including vegetable gardens. Hand-held hose or watering cans may be permitted.
• Core business functions
• Irrigation of public and private recreation fields (limited to off-peak hours - before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.)
• Golf course watering must also follow specific reductions during droughts, including reductions to irrigation of fairways and no watering of ornamentals during higher-level droughts.
• Private and publicly funded shade trees and new lawn establishment post-construction
• For a full list of essential uses, visit: Drought Status | Mass.gov

Residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to be mindful of water use and to help promote water conservation. Residents and Businesses are strongly recommended to:

• Minimize overall water use
• Follow local water use restrictions
• Fix any toilet or faucet leaks immediately. Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by:
• Checking water meters for constant dial movement
• Using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks
• Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas
• Use the MA Home Water Use Calculator tool to evaluate household water use.

Aggressively reduce indoor water use by:

• Reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer
• Running washing machines only on a full load
• Not letting water run while brushing and shaving
• Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones. Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are WaterSense labeled.
• You can conserve water in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, checking for leaks, and replacing appliances. Tips are available at Water Conservation - Water - City of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Drought Ordinance and Enforcement Reminders

In January 2023, amendments to the Massachusetts Water Management Act were passed requiring all public water suppliers to establish enforceable restrictions limiting non-essential outdoor water use during any drought declarations by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. On April 7, 2025, the Cambridge City Council's Ordinance Committee ordained the proposed updates to the Cambridge Municipal Code (Chapters 13.08 and 13.12) to strengthen local drought response and enforcement. These amendments are aligned with state guidance under 310 CMR 36.00.

Key updates included:

• The City Manager or Managing Director of the Water Department must restrict non-essential outdoor water use during a state-declared drought.
• The Water Board may impose stricter restrictions than the state minimum if necessary.
• Enforceable Penalties for water ban violations were established.

ANY VIOLATION OF THE WATER USE RESTRICTIONS will now result in the following penalties:

• WARNING FOR 1ST VIOLATION
• $100 FINE FOR 2nd VIOLATION
• $200 FOR 3rd VIOLATION
• $300/PER DAY FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION

Violations may be enforced through criminal or noncriminal proceedings by designated City staff, police officers, or the Animal Commission.

For questions or more information, please contact the Cambridge Water Department at 617-349-4770, email [email protected] or visit: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Water.