On September 8, 2022, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) announced that the Southeast Region of the state - which includes Westwood and the rest of Norfolk County - is having its drought level status upgraded from "Level 3 -Critical Drought" to "Level 2- Significant Drought."
During EEA's recent examination of statewide drought conditions, the only region to see improvement in drought level status is the Southeast Region. Rainfall during the later part of August provided relief throughout Massachusetts, but the relief was more pronounced in the Southeast Region.
Notably, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system, which serves areas within the Southeast Region, is not experiencing drought conditions, "as defined within its individual plan," according to EEA. That said, EEA also notes that private wells, water sources and water-dependent habitats within MWRA-serviced areas are nonetheless being impacted. EEA notes that water quality in ponds can deteriorate due to lowering of levels and stagnation.
While customers in Westwood, Dedham, Dover and Medfield have experienced a ban on outdoor watering activities, nearby MWRA communities such as Needham and Norwood have not. However, MWRA is urging its customers to practice water conservation.
Although the Southeast Region has experienced improvement, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card cautions that all parts of Massachusetts still remain in a drought. This includes the Southeast Region.
Dedham Westwood Water District (DWWD), which serves customers in Westwood and Dedham, announced that its ban on all outdoor watering remains in place for its customers. The outdoor watering ban was instituted during the time the Southeast Region was in "critical" drought status.
On its Twitter account, DWWD indicated optimism over the improved status of the Southeast Region, but stated, "At this time, there are NO changes to DWWD's mandatory water restrictions. However, we will continually monitor and evaluate conditions."
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg stated, “It takes time to recover from a drought. . . . water users should continue to follow the advice of their public water system and conserve as much water as possible."
Water conservation methods greatly assist water supply systems by reducing water use, helping to ensure that essential needs can be met. Essential needs include water for drinking, fire protection, natural habitats, and ensuring the sustainability of the state's long-term water supplies, noted EEA Secretary Card.
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Acting Director Dawn Brantley stated, "While a good deal of helpful rain has fallen over the past few days in many areas of the Commonwealth, it is important to remember that the drought’s impacts have taken months to develop and will take more than a few days of rain to resolve.”
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has implemented a temporary ban on all open flame and charcoal fires at state park properties. Small, portable propane grills are still allowed at campgrounds and recreation areas where grilling is permitted. However, DCR requests the that the public carefully and completely extinguish any fires in grills.
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