Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Several regions in Massachusetts are experiencing a drought.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared a drought in several regions in the Bay State. While residents experienced an abundance of rainfall in the spring and summer, August saw nearly two inches or more below normal rainfall. Locals say they notice the impact.
"We got a couple of ponds that look like they're drying up. They're actually almost mud now. It's just like it's not a lot of water. So I thought the beginning of the summer it was going to be a rainy summer, but it turned out not to be," one resident stated.
Read More: Parts Of Massachusetts Are Experiencing Elevated Levels Of Drought
According to a recent press release, streamflow has declined in the state, resulting in dry streambeds, the ponding of rivers, and exposed banks along ponds and lakes. Habitats, vegetation, and fish migration have been impacted by the drought conditions as well.
"Yeah, I fish a lot. Go down the cape, the lakes are three to five feet lower than they usually are," another resident said. "I haven't had to mow the lawn much. Maybe a couple times, all summer."
Officials warn about the risk of wildfires with such dry conditions. Residents have been urged to restrict outdoor water usage between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and to limit the washing of hard surfaces, including sidewalks, patios, driveways, vehicles, and boats.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) Reports.