BOSTON – With several recent precipitation events in September that directly benefited Massachusetts’ hydrological systems, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today announced that drought conditions have improved in all regions of the state, and made the following drought declarations: the Western Region has been upgraded to Level 0-Normal Conditions; the Connecticut River Valley, Central Region, and Southeast Regions have been upgraded to Level 1-Mild Drought; and, the Northeast and Cape Cod Regions have been upgraded and will join the Islands Region as a Level 2-Significant Drought.

As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 1-Mild Drought warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities. Additionally, a Level 2-Significant Drought calls for the convening of an interagency mission group, which is already meeting, to more closely coordinate on drought assessments, impacts, and responses within state government.