Despite Heavy Snow and Rain, Massachusetts Faces Level 3 Critical Drought

Despite all the snow and rain this winter, Massachusetts is still in a drought, and officials say our region is actually in a Level 3 Critical Drought. The Franklin Observer reports the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan requires that Level 3 areas maintain a detailed monitoring of drought conditions and where necessary enact water use restrictions.  EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper says over the past month, most of the state received between 2-4 inches of rain and snow which is 1-1.5 inches below normal.  Added to last year’s deficit, most of the state is in an 8-13 inch deficit since last summer.