Cambridge, Somerville and the surrounding area is being downgraded by the state from being in “significant drought” to “mild drought,” the Cambridge Water Department said Friday.
“Recent rains have been extremely helpful in alleviating long-term dry conditions. To ensure a systemwide recovery from drought, a substantial amount of precipitation is needed, in addition to increased groundwater levels,” the water department said in an email.
In late March, the city of Cambridge moved toward changing its regulations to control irrigation and other nonessential water uses and imposed penalties for violations for the first time.
During mild drought, state and city officials ask that even people with private wells are asked to minimize overall water use; limit outdoor watering to one day per week from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m., or less frequently if required by your water supplier, and harvest rainwater for the purpose; plant only local and drought-resistant species and minimize lawn sizes; fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use; and, for larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.
Update on May 20, 2025: The state announced that recent rains – 4 to 6 inches so far this month – has returned the region to normal conditions from one of mild drought. Water use restrictions are no longer required, but conservation is always strongly encouraged, city spokesperson Jeremy Warnick said.
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