Recent snow and rain helped move the area out of a designated “Critical Drought,” but the northeast, central and Connecticut River Valley regions of the state remain in, what officials call, “Significant Drought.”
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper downgraded these areas Wednesday, while the Western and Southeast regions move from Critical Drought to Mild Drought status due to improved conditions. The Cape and Islands regions also remain in Mild Drought.
“Seeing drought conditions improve across nearly all our regions is encouraging. That said, we need to continue practicing indoor water conservation to fully recover and reduce future drought impacts,” said Tepper. “I want to recognize everyone who has been helping us combat the unprecedented wildfires and drought conditions over the past several months. We continue to express our gratitude to those first responders and ask everyone to exercise caution in their water use.”
Over the past month, most of the state received between three and six inches of rain and snow, and six to eight-8 inches in the southeast region. The precipitation helps restore normal conditions after last year’s severe drought and fire risks. Despite the recent rain and snowfall, streamflow remains low in the Northeast, Central and Connecticut River Valley regions.
Groundwater levels are also improving in all areas, except on the Cape where groundwater is decreasing, even though it is in the normal range.
The state Department of Environmental Protection said it will continue to provide technical assistance to communities on managing their water systems, including assistance on the use of emergency connections and water supplies.