06/10/2026
Dedham and Westwood Drought Declaration Upgraded from Level 1, Mild Drought to Level 2, Significant Drought; With the Change in the Drought Declaration, Level 2 – Mandatory Water Restriction, No Outdoor Watering to Take Effect on Wednesday, June 17
Dedham, MA— On Tuesday, June 9, the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)/Drought Management Task Force upgraded the drought declaration for the Southeast Region of the Commonwealth from Level 1 Mild Drought Conditions to Level 2, Significant Drought Conditions. With the change in drought conditions, effective Wednesday, June 17, the District will implement Level 2 Mandatory Water Restrictions, with no outdoor watering allowed.
Level 2 is mandatory unless otherwise declared by the Commonwealth. All nonessential outdoor water uses are banned, except for watering ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-held hose, or watering cans.
“Although the District’s water sources remain within normal operating ranges and May brought some precipitation, drought conditions across the Commonwealth have continued to worsen,” said Executive Director Blake Lukis. “Groundwater and streamflow levels across the Southeast Region decreased from April to May, and the recharge of lakes and reservoirs remained insufficient.”
For drought management purposes, Dedham and Westwood are located in the Southeast Region of the Commonwealth. Per the District’s Water Withdrawal Registration Statement, all drought declarations made by the EEA/Drought Management Task Force for our region must be adhered to.
The Drought Management Task Force typically meets monthly to review conditions across the Commonwealth. If/when the EEA declares a change in drought status, the District will formally announce specific requirements on our website, Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram.
