Environmental Health

Massachusetts Drought Alert Logo

July 21, 2022 - Drought status updated to Critical Level 3 - Secretary Beth Card today declared a Level 3-Critical Drought in the Northeast and Central Regions of the state.

  • EEA urges residents and businesses to continue to be extremely mindful of their overall water use, select only native and drought resistant plants for new plantings, and particularly in Level 3 – Critical drought areas to halt all non-essential water use .
  • Information on the CURRENT DROUGHT STATUS:  HERE
  • Additional guidance for private well owners:  HERE
    • Be mindful of your IN and OUT door water use.  Consider guidance provided by the EEA's webpages on water conservation both INDOOR and OUTDOOR water use.
    • Address water leaks as soon as possible.
    • Keep a supply of bottled water available for drinking consumption as a back-up should you experience a temporary loss of water supply.
    • Use caution around BBQs, campfires and other outdoor activities to prevent brush and forest fires.

July 15, 2022 - 

Due to four months of below normal rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bethany Card declared a Level 2 – Significant Drought in the Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast and Southeast Regions of the Commonwealth, and a Level 1 – Mild Drought in the Western and Islands Regions. The Cape Cod Region remains in Level 0 – Normal condition.   For more information:

For more information on the current drought conditions, and for technical guidance regarding drought management actions, please visit www.mass.gov/ma-drought-management and for water conservation information, go to www.mass.gov/conservemawater

ASBESTOS - is a fibrous natural mineral historically used in various building materials.  The substance is known to cause lung cancer  and negatively affect respiratory health.  Mass DEP regulates abatement, construction and demolition projects that could contain asbestos material.  More information on asbestos regulation in Massachusetts HERE.


A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture in Your Home, US EPA (PDF)

Minuteman Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Fire Extinguisher Management

Toxic Use Reduction Institute - at the university of Mass-Lowell.  Provides resources and tools to help communities find safer alternatives to toxic chemicals.

UMASS Extension Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Program - to educate landscape, nursery, and turf professionals by providing programs, newsletter, and research-based information on horticulture best practices.