By Theresa Knapp

As of press time, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts remained in a “critical drought,” according to the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. 

The majority of the state is in critical drought status except for Cape Cod (level 2, significant drought); and Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and western MA (Level 1, mild drought). 

Municipalities in regions designated Level 3 are advised “to ban all non-essential outdoor water use. Essential uses for water include health, safety and regulatory uses, as well as for the production of crops, maintenance of livestock and other core business functions,” according to the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

The latest data available at press time from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection said, “168 cities and towns had implemented outdoor water use restrictions, and 156 of these restrictions are mandatory,” according to www.mass.org. 

A chart of “Current City and Town Water Restrictions” lists: 

Hopedale – days watering allowed per week: 2 (effective 6/27) 

To check current drought status, visit www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status