Subscribe to our mailing list and consider following WestfordCAT on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram for daily updates from Westford’s hometown source for news.
WESTFORD — Following below normal precipitation in November, the Northeast Region of Massachusetts, which includes Westford, has been downgraded to a significant drought.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Bethany Card announced the downgrade from a critical drought to a significant drought on Dec. 12. She cited a lack of rainfall events that caused conditions to regress in the region.
Northeastern Massachusetts joins Cape Cod and the Island’s regions as three regions in a significant drought. The Western, Central and Southeastern regions maintained normal conditions while the Connecticut River Valley Region remains at a mild drought.
Card notes that though Northeastern Massachusetts has downgraded to a significant drought, northern and coastal regions continue to be more severely impacted by long-term drought conditions.
According to National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data, Middlesex County is two to three inches behind normal rainfall as of Dec. 14.
Over the last 30 days, the county has received three to four inches of rainfall.
Water Department downgrades restrictions
The Water Department has removed all active water restrictions in Westford.
Previously, customers with an odd-numbered address may only water on odd-numbered days from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. under Stage 2 restrictions. Customers with even-numbered addresses could only water on even-numbered days from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Additionally, the filling of swimming pools was prohibited.
Restrictions were rescinded as of Nov. 15, according to Water Department Superintendent Mark Warren and have not been reinstated as of Dec. 14.
Local journalism is vital to our communities. As other publications shift focus toward regional journalism, WestfordCAT continues to provide high-quality hyperlocal reporting to our town, free for everyone to read. So — we have a small favor to ask. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps us sustain our journalism and keep our community informed. Please consider supporting WestfordCAT for as little as $1 on PayPal.
You must be logged in to post a comment.