NORTHAMPTON — With continued blistering hot temperatures and decreased water levels in reservoirs and ponds, the state elevated its drought advisory Tuesday afternoon to a “Level 3-Critical” status for the Connecticut River Valley region.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card announced that the Connecticut River Valley, which includes Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties, joins the Central, Northeast and Southeast region of the state in its Level 3 status and urges communities throughout those regions to minimize overall water use.
While the drought determination is not a mandate, Level 3 status calls for a stop to all nonessential outdoor watering.
“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 to avoid over-stressing our water resources,” Card in the announcement. “Efforts to minimize water usage now will help our water systems to rebound more quickly, and ensure that essential public health, safety and environmental needs continue to be met.”
According to the state’s Drought Management Plan, the Level 2 and 3 designations require an interagency convening of Mission Group, which was formed to monitor drought impacts and prioritize response actions at all levels of government. The group has already begun to meet and closely coordinate on drought assessments.
Card has recommended Level 3 status communities provide timely information on the drought and on water conservation tips to local residents and businesses, and strongly discourage or prohibit the installation of new sod and seeding, and filling of swimming pools.
She also has recommended municipalities enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penalties.
Several communities in Hampshire County have enacted bans on non-essential water use.
In Northampton, violating the ban can result in a $100 fine for the first violation and $200 for any subsequent offense, according to Public Works Director Donna LaScaleia
Northampton’s water supply system is regulated by the state Department of Environmental Protection, which requires water restrictions be implemented when stream-flow in Mill River drops below a certain flow — 26.3 cubic feet per second — for a three-day period or when DEP’s drought task force declares a drought advisory of Level 1 or higher.
“We appreciate the cooperation of residents and businesses in protecting the public drinking water supply,” said LaScaleia in an emailed statement.
In Easthampton, those found violating the water restrictions can be subject to fines of $50 for the first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses, according to Department of Public Works Director Greg Nuttelman.
“Again, we really hope residents do their best to adhere to the ban,” Nuttelman said.
Card is asking all water users to at a minimum follow these actions and to check with local water suppliers for any community restrictions in place that may be more stringent.
Dawn Brantley, acting director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, also urged caution as fire activity has increased throughout the state. Under the especially dry conditions, suppressing a drought-induced fire once it has been ignited can be especially challenging.
“We need the public to be especially careful during this time by adhering to local water use restrictions, and exercising caution around any outdoor activities that increase the risk of brush and forest fires such as barbecues, campfires, and safe disposal of smoking materials,” said Brantley in a statement.
Commissioner Martin Suuberg of the Department of Environmental Protection also noted that practicing water conservation now will help to ensure that essential needs, such as drinking water and fire protection, are being met, and that habitats have enough water to support their natural functions.
“Under current drought conditions, it is critically important that all residents heed their water suppliers’ requests to cut back on nonessential water use,” said Suuberg in a statement.
The Drought Management Task Force will reconvene on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. Meeting information and an agenda will be available at mass.gov/service-details/drought-management-task-force-meetings.
Emily Thurlow can be reached at ethurlow@gazettenet.com.
