It just rained X inches this weekend. How can we still be in a drought?

Drought declarations in Massachusetts (and elsewhere) are based upon a number of considerations detailed in the state’s Drought Plan and are driven by much more than short term precipitation amounts.  Even a large rainfall in a short duration may do very little to recharge our aquifers.  During the summer months, for example, most precipitation becomes either soil moisture that returns to the atmosphere through evaporation through the soil and plants, or becomes surface runoff that ends up in streams and rivers. So, we should be happy for the rain (and turn off our irrigation systems).

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1. What authority does the Town of Dover have to implement and enforce water use restrictions?
2. How does Dover determine when to recommend special water conservation actions?
3. How do I find out information about the present level of recommended water conservation actions?
4. What are the drought levels used by the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force and what do the levels mean?
5. It just rained X inches this weekend. How can we still be in a drought?
6. Why is outdoor water conservation focused on irrigation systems?
7. What features should a lawn irrigation have in order to reduce unnecessary water usage?
8. What actions can I take to reduce my outdoor watering?
9. What about watering new lawns and landscaping?
10. What can I do to conserve water indoors?