Tips for Residents on How to Stay Safe During Drought Conditions

City urges residents to be mindful of water usage and wildfire risks

(MEDFORD) — The majority of Massachusetts has been declared a Level 3 Critical Drought by the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). A Level 3 Critical Drought means precipitation has been below normal for several months and fire risks are increasing.

Due to dry conditions, the potential risk of wildfires is higher than usual, officials warn. Please refrain from outdoor cooking/heating, use caution with yard equipment that has hot engines or gasoline, dispose of fireplace/wood stove ashes in a metal can and douse them with water, and extinguish smoking materials in an ashtray with water or sand.

“As we’ve been seeing in many areas across the state, low precipitation levels have increased the risk of wildfires and also put a strain on the resources needed to stop wildfires,” said MaryAnn O’Connor, Board of Health Director. “Let’s work together to conserve water and keep Medford safe from fires by conserving water wherever possible and being extra cautious with any type of flame or spark.”  

As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 3 - Critical Drought requires detailed monitoring of drought conditions, continued coordination among state and federal agencies, engagement with municipalities including local Boards of Health, and providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities. 

The state has outlined the following recommendations that individuals and businesses can take while the drought continues:  

• Minimize overall water use   
• Monitor total household water use shown on your water bill for sudden increases, which often indicate leaks. Use the MA Home Water Use Calculator tool  to evaluate household water use.  
• Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes. Run the dishwasher only on a full load  
• Aggressively reduce indoor water use by: 
  • Reducing shower length and consider using a shower timer  
  • Running washing machines only on a full load   
  • Not letting water run while brushing and shaving   
  • Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient ones. Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are WaterSense-labeled 
  • Stop all non-essential water use 
• Be extra cautious with outdoor fires, grills, and flammable materials 

For more information on drought and water conservation, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages.    

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