The northeastern region of Massachusetts is now in a “Level 3: Critical Drought,” according to the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force. In announcing this designation on November 7, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper called attention to the low streamflow, below average precipitation, and high fire danger index.
During a critical drought period, the state urges residents and businesses to take the following steps to reduce water use:
- Minimize overall water use
- Follow local water use restrictions
- Fix any toilet or faucet leaks immediately
- Aggressively reduce indoor water use by taking shorter showers, running dishwashers and washing machines only on a full load
Drought in Acton
Here in Acton, we have a groundwater gaging station maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The depth of the water table below the land surface has been falling steadily since April of this year, and now is about a foot below the mean for this time of year. Groundwater levels were also this low in the fall of 2016, 2020, and 2022.
Asked by the Acton Exchange about possible impacts on water supply, Acton Water District Manager Matt Mostoller replied by email: “At this time, I do not see any direct impacts to our operation, although we continually assess environmental conditions, water demand, and operational readiness of our system. Depending on how the winter precipitation shapes up, will dictate whether we see lasting impacts heading into the spring and summer months that could have a direct impact on our operations. Should significant wildfires develop in the Acton area, that could put a strain on our system if the firefighting response relies heavily on our distribution system to fight the fire. The District encourages efficient use of water year-round.”
Red flag warnings for wildfire risk
In recent days, our region has also been under a “red flag” warning for increased wildfire risk, due to the combination of warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds. According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, the Commonwealth has an average of fifteen wildfires in October, but this year there were more than 200.
During red flag fire conditions, Massachusetts fire officials ask the public to:
- Remember that open burning is prohibited statewide through January. [In Acton, open burning will resume January 15, 2025, and requires a permit from the Acton Fire Department.]
- Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimneys, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
- Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass.
- Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash.
- Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.
How is Acton responding?
Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnum, responding by email to questions from the Acton Exchange, stated that the town always maintains a state of readiness with our apparatus, which includes a Brush Truck and a UTV (utility task vehicle) in addition to our standard fire department apparatus.
When they come across outside burning, the Fire Department is educating the public about open burning laws and red flag dangers. They are also working with other Town departments to advise of dangerous situations. For example, signs have been posted in conservation areas.
Acton has not experienced any wildfires per se, but some small brush fires were quickly contained and extinguished.
In the larger picture, MEMA (MA Emergency Management Agency) and the state fire marshall are providing daily situational updates, and DCR is currently staffing all fire towers and will call in any areas where smoke is observed, to ensure early notification.
In the event of a reported brush or wildfire, Acton Fire can call in mutual aid quickly to secure additional manpower. Acton also responds to requests for mutual aid to other towns. Acton Fire supported two Statewide Mobilization callouts for a Forestry Task Force, sending the Town’s Brush Truck with an officer and two firefighters to Wilmington on October 26 and to Salem on October 30.
Arnum said the department has posted information from the state fire marshall regarding red flag warnings and the dangerous drought situation, in a News Flash on the town website.
Chief Arnum ended her email, “Acton Fire is responding to a brush fire currently as I send this e-mail! Will advise if it becomes anything of significance.” Her email was timestamped at 1:13 pm on Thursday Nov 8.
Kim Kastens is a volunteer writer and editor for the Acton Exchange. In addition, she chairs the Green Acton Water Committee.