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Massachusetts issues Level 2 drought advisory for Worcester County; Charlton staff pass along restrictions
Summary
Town staff told the Charlton Select Board that the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force has issued a Level 2 (significant) drought declaration for Worcester County that includes outdoor water‑use restrictions and exemptions for health, food production and livestock; the town’s reservoirs remain near historical averages.
Town staff informed the Select Board on Sept. 23 that the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force issued a Level 2 ("significant") drought declaration for Worcester County.
The announcement covers Charlton and neighboring communities. The board read a notice that water customers in Southbridge and Charlton should refrain from outdoor water use except for limited hand watering and that municipal and private well users are included. Exemptions cited in the announcement include food or fiber production, health and safety needs, livestock maintenance and specified commercial operations such as nursery irrigation. The notice directed residents to the state website for more information and provided the Southbridge Water Department contact number for questions.
Town staff emphasized that the Charlton reservoir system was at roughly 91% of total capacity at the time of the announcement and that the declaration is a countywide action rather than the result of an immediate shortage in Charlton’s municipal storage. The transcript notes that state rules and enforcement related to drought management went into effect in April 2025.
What residents should know
- The declaration is countywide (Worcester County) and includes Charlton water customers and private wells. - Restrictions focus on outdoor water use, with enumerated exemptions for essential uses and certain commercial operations. - Charlton’s local reservoir system was reported at about 91% capacity at the meeting; staff said this is within the town’s historical average for this time of year. - State guidance and the full declaration are posted on mass.gov under the Drought Management Task Force pages; Southbridge Water Department contact information was provided for local questions.
Town staff asked residents with questions to contact the Southbridge Water Department at the number read aloud during the meeting.
