After a brief (and very welcome) hiatus, the South Shore has slipped back into a Level 1 – Mild Drought. If it feels like we’ve been here before, you’re not wrong. Our region has moved in-and-out of drought conditions for the better part of the last 18 months but this early designation gives us a valuable head start as move into the warmer months.
Drought designations are based on more than just precipitation – they reflect long-term trends in groundwater levels, streamflow and are determined based on a variety of factors (not just precipitation). This time of year is especially taxing on our water resources, with trees pulling up groundwater to grow new leaves, property owners using water to establish grass and plantings, and gardeners establishing their beds.
While we can’t control the weather, we can take steps now to reduce the strain on our resources and do our part to keep this drought from intensifying. Small shifts can lead to thousands of gallons saved across the South Shore:
- Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater to use on plants and lawns during drier periods
- Water plants early in the morning or later in the day to minimize evaporation
- Plant only local and drought-resistant species
- Download NSRWA’s Greenscapes Guide for tips to have a healthy, water-saving yard
- Follow NSRWA’s best mowing tips
- Bring vehicles to a commercial car wash instead of washing by hand
For more tips on water conservation, check out NSRWA’s Water Conservation page and the state’s Water Conservation Toolkit.