Massachusetts moved its Northeast region into significant drought Oct. 9, even as the Connecticut River Valley returned to normal conditions.
The Northeast rose from Level 1, mild drought, to Level 2, significant drought, according to the state's latest assessment. Cape Cod and Nantucket County remain at Level 2. The Southeast region is at Level 1.
September rainfall ranged from 5 to 12 inches statewide, with the lowest totals in northeastern and western Massachusetts, officials said. Groundwater deficits in the eastern part of the state kept those regions in drought.
For residents and businesses in significant drought areas, the state recommends limiting outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Local water restrictions still apply.
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority system is not in drought, the state said. Officials encouraged MWRA customers to conserve water.
The Drought Management Task Force next meets Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. to reassess conditions.