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Critical drought leads to water ban in Worcester

  • Posted by Worcester News Wed at 9:15 PM - Filed in News - #Worcester  #water  #Department of Public Works  - 648 views


    Monthly rainfall totals for January and February have continued to decline following a relatively dry summer. (city of Worcester)

    WORCESTER — Worcester is now under a Level 3 critical drought declaration after the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the state Drought Management Task Force placed the Central Region under tighter water restrictions, city officials said.

    City officials said that as of March 1st, Worcester’s reservoir capacity stood at 63.8%, underscoring the severity of current conditions. There are 4 levels of drought, Level 3 being deemed critical.

    Under the Level 3 designation, all non-essential outdoor water use is banned for all water users in Worcester.

    The city said golf courses must also reduce irrigation of fairways to 40% of normal use. Irrigation of roughs, landscaping and ornamental areas is prohibited under the restrictions.

    Officials said the restrictions took effect following the state declaration for Central Massachusetts.

    More information about the 2026 Level 3 critical drought is available on the city’s website at worcesterma.gov/dpw/drought.

    Questions about drought-related water restrictions can be directed to Worcester 311 at worcesterma.gov/311.

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