The Northeast has been downgraded to a mild drought from the more dire level of significant drought, city officials said Friday. Drought conditions have persisted since August.
Cambridge and Somerville are being urged to use less water overall, despite the improvement.
“March precipitation was extremely helpful in alleviating long-term dry conditions,” said Jeremy Warnick, a spokesperson for Cambridge, which has its own water reservoirs but has fallen back on regional supplies in emergencies.
The municipal supply gives Cambridge a more personal connection to water levels. In late March, city councillor Patty Nolan recounted going to check on the city’s Hobbs Brook before a meeting and finding water levels still at half of the 20-year median for this time of year.
“While local water supplies are currently stable, mild drought conditions continue to persist. With the growing season and higher water demand season approaching, it remains important to be very conservative and save water whenever possible,” Warnick said.
Recommendations for people living and working in a mild drought area – even those with private well – are to keep all nonessential outdoor water uses to no more than one day a week before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., though watering ornamentals and flower gardens is okay through drip irrigation, with a handheld hose or watering can.
Residents are asked to fix indoor leaks such as from toilets, faucets and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use; to minimize lawn sizes; and harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.
Larger buildings and businesses are asked to conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.
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