Nearly all of Massachusetts is in a critical drought — one step away from an emergency — after months with little rainfall, the state announced Tuesday.
"We need to work together to ensure we have enough clean drinking water, protect wildlife habitats, and maintain effective fire control," Massachusetts ' energy and environmental affairs secretary said, including within sight of Boston on Tuesday, where a blaze in the popular Blue Hills Reservation had consumed 41 acres and was about half contained.
"We urge municipalities, residents, and businesses - including those with private wells - to help us reduce stress on our water systems. We need to work together to ensure we have enough clean drinking water, protect wildlife habitats, and maintain effective fire control. Every small effort counts," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a statement.
Parts of Massachusetts have received record low amounts of rainfall for autumn, and most of the state has received less than an inch of rain in the last month, down from the usual 4-5 inches, officials said.
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