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Image source:mass.gov (News for September 9, 2025). In MA, only Dukes County remains at Normal Conditions, while the rest of the state is in drought.
9-12-2025 1:24am
Level 1 Mandatory Water Restrictions Effective Monday, September 15th
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Mandatory water restrictions will take effect on Monday, September 15th for Dedham-Westwood Water District customers after a recent announcement from the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) ends three months of the Southeast Region being under normal drought conditions.
EEA recently updated its drought conditions for areas throughout the state. Virtually all other areas outside the Southeast Region are now at Level 2 – Significant Drought, according to the September 9th announcement by EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper.
Earlier this year, rain during the spring and early summer helped to ease drought conditions, but in August, most areas of Massachusetts received 1 to 2 inches below normal rainfall.
“Our region has continued to face ongoing below-average rainfall,” said Dedham-Westwood Water District Executive Director Blake Lukis. “While recent storms have provided some relief, streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs remain below normal levels.”
Under the state’s declaration of Level 1 – Mild Drought for the Southeast Region, customers of Dedham-Westwood Water District are required to limit all nonessential outdoor watering to no more than one day per week, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m., and as outlined in the below schedule. Watering ornamentals and flower gardens with a hand-held hose, watering cans, or drip irrigation is permitted.
Customers are assigned once-a-week watering days as follows:
Monday: Street names beginning with A through C
Tuesday: Street names beginning with D through J
Thursday: Street names beginning with K through R
Friday: Street names beginning with S through Z.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant during this time and adhere to local water restrictions and practice water conservation. We can all do our part to prevent brush and forest fires by exercising caution with outdoor activities like campfires, and the safe disposal of smoking materials,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper.
Residents can report dry environmental conditions and submit photos to help monitor the situation on the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter (here). Additionally, an FAQ is available to answer questions regarding the current drought status and water conservation.
