Martha’s Vineyard continues to experience a significant drought, according to state officials.
Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared a Level 2, or significant, drought for the Cape and Islands late last week. While the state saw some needed rain recently, it continues to experience below-average rainfall, declining streamflow, and falling groundwater levels as well as “the effects of two years of below-average precipitation,” according to a press release from the EEA.
Through a review of conditions conducted during the month of June, the EEA found that in total, Massachusetts received between 1.5 and 4.5 inches of precipitation, and drought persists in all regions; the most affected areas are the Islands and the eastern and far southwest regions in the state.
According to the EEA, residents and business in locations with significant drought status are recommended to minimize overall water use, fix indoor leaks, which contribute to more than 60 percent of indoor water usage, limit outdoor watering to hoses and watering cans, and complete outdoor watering after 5 pm, or before 9 am, in order to combat harmful drought conditions. And while the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system, which streams from the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs, are not enduring drought conditions, residents and businesses are still encouraged to preserve water.
“Massachusetts has been managing ongoing drought conditions for nearly two years, and while this week’s rain was welcome, we still have a long way to go,” Tepper said in the release. “We appreciate the efforts municipalities and residents have already made to conserve water during this time. As the summer progresses, we continue to ask that everyone work together to ensure our supplies remain available by using water wisely.”
The headline is technically accurate, but the article is misleading about which area is most severely affected. The state’s July 9 map places Martha’s Vineyard and the Islands at Level 2, “Significant Drought,” while the Northeast Region is at Level 3, “Critical Drought”—the highest designation shown.
The Islands reportedly had some of the greatest recent precipitation deficits, but I have since learned that rainfall is only one of six indicators used to determine the overall drought level. The article should distinguish between precipitation deficits and the state’s official drought classification. It should also note that the July 9 declaration elevated only the Western Region to Level 2; the Cape and Islands had already been at Level 2 since June 9.