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Hopkinton groundwater sees low recharge through dry summer

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

A dry summer has kept drought conditions a significant concern both in Hopkinton and the region.

On Sept. 9, Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announced drought levels across multiple regions in the commonwealth had worsened. Hopkinton now is under a Level-2 Significant Drought.

According to a statement on the Water Resources Commission website, “below normal rainfall over the last three months has quickly moved these regions back into a significant drought.”

These sentiments were echoed by Hopkinton Water-Sewer Manager Eric Carty.

“We’ve had a couple storms here and there but nothing that comes close to making a dent in our current situation,” said Carty. “[There’s been] very little recharge.”

Carty explained that the town had started to replenish its groundwater levels back in May, but an “extremely dry summer” brought levels back down. He noted that many of the town’s wells are 2-3 feet below normal.

While there have been some heavy rainstorms, these events do little to recharge the town’s groundwater, according to Carty. “That much water that quick is great for reservoirs and lakes and streams, but it doesn’t fill groundwater,” he said. Ground that has been hard packed as a result of prolonged drought in turn keeps those large amounts of water from being absorbed.

“The drought kind of keeps the drought going,” said Carty.

Carty commended residents who have complied with restrictions on water use, including refraining from the use of lawn sprinklers. Actions residents can take toward water conservation include fixing indoor leaks, minimizing overall water use and stopping nonessential outdoor watering.

When asked about the commonwealth’s announcement of elevated drought status, Carty stressed the importance of residents checking in with local water departments first.

“The distinction … it didn’t really make a difference for [Hopkinton],” said Carty. “We’ve been in this all along and continue to see groundwater levels decline.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Hopkinton Police confirmed that a Cedar Street resident found dead in her home Thursday appeared to have died by suicide.

The Open Space Preservation Commission reviewed proposed trail markings for the Whitehall Conservation Area at its meeting Thursday night.

Town meetings tonight include the Zoning Advisory Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Pat O’Brien, one of the organizers of Hopkinton Family Day, checks out the fireworks show at Saturday’s event. For more photos from Family Day, click here.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR