After a soggy September brought five to 12 inches of rain across Massachusetts, communities in the Connecticut River Valley may finally be able to move past the outdoor watering bans that shaped much of the summer.
Here's what to know
According to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper moved the Connecticut River Valley from mild drought back to normal status, effective Sept. 1.
Because some local water permits require limits during officially declared droughts, local governments may now have more room to relax or end outdoor watering rules.
In August and September, National Weather Service data showed average rainfall totals of 8.88 inches in Hampshire County, 8.45 inches in Franklin County, and 9.04 inches in Hampden County.
Andrew Loconto, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service, said August and September precipitation still came in slightly under the historical norm.
The EEA said September's rainfall also kept early-autumn fire danger low. The same statement noted that groundwater remains depressed in eastern Massachusetts, while the Massachusetts Drought Dashboard shows most Connecticut River Valley monitoring sites recovering from the lower levels recorded during summer.
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More background
For western Massachusetts, the newest drought update marks a quick reversal. In August, the state moved the Connecticut River Valley from significant drought to mild drought, with rainfall showing its largest improvement between the two months.
Each month, the Massachusetts Drought Task Force recommends a status based on more than precipitation totals alone. Its review also includes streamflow, groundwater, lake capacity, fire danger, and evapotranspiration.
Some communities operated under partial or complete bans on nonessential outdoor watering, including irrigation and other common uses. Northampton also has annual watering limits from May 1 through Sept. 30 regardless of drought status, and the city uses the Mill River as a local drought measure.
Richard Parasiliti, director of the Northampton Department of Public Works, said the city must restrict water use if streamflow remains below 10 cubic feet per second for three consecutive days.
What's being done?
Several municipalities are already reacting to the improved conditions.
The Gazette noted that Northampton has ended its water restrictions for the year, with Mill River flows staying above the city's 10-cubic-feet-per-second threshold.
Belchertown is considering next steps after nearly a year of restrictions on all outdoor watering. Water Superintendent Kevin Williams said the Board of Water Commissioners will discuss the updated drought designation at its Oct. 20 meeting.
"We're at the time of the year when people won't be using irrigation water," Williams said. "There will be more people who want to wash their houses and cars, and we can handle that."
Amherst has not yet decided. Superintendent Guilford Mooring said the Amherst Department of Public Works must first review the town's new water permit before deciding whether restrictions could end in October or stay in place through the end of November.
Conditions remain worse in other parts of the state: the Northeast Region rose from level 1 to level 2 drought, the Coastal Region stays at level 2, and the Southeast Region remains at level 1.
Loconto said the drier regions still have reason to be hopeful.
"This is our climatological wet season, moving into the fall and early winter," Loconto said. "So there is some optimism that it should improve."
Where can I learn more?
These articles show how other communities are weighing the same question: How quickly can rain ease drought pressure and water limits?
• In Tampa, Florida, massive storm runoff revived a drought-strained river system, though concerns linger.
• In Cranbrook, Canada, officials say reservoir levels are climbing after rainfall eased local water stress.
• Across Sri Lanka, key reservoirs rose sharply after heavy rains improved supplies for residents.
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