Groton Declares Level 3 Drought, Bans Non-Essential Outdoor Water Use
Groton officials have declared a Level 3 Critical Drought and banned non-essential outdoor water use, the most consequential development for residents in the past day, alongside continued fallout from the town's Fourth of July fireworks celebration.
TOWN HALL
The Town of Groton announced a Level 3 Critical Drought designation, citing a determination by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and has banned non-essential outdoor water use effective immediately, according to the town's official announcement. Residents are directed to town and Groton Water Department resources for details on what activities are restricted under the ban.
Separately, the town issued a press release with an update on its Annual Fireworks Celebration, though further specifics were not detailed in available materials. Residents planning around the event should watch town channels for follow-up details.
The town also flagged an upcoming fee change: effective May 1, 2026, the real estate tax demand fee will rise to $30, the maximum allowed under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 60, Section 15, as part of a periodic review of fees tied to the cost of services.
Ongoing town business includes the Squannacook River Dam repair project, with bid results and a wage schedule posted, and continued PFAS/PFOS monitoring efforts led by the Groton Water Department, including testing results tied to Groton-Dunstable Regional High School.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Ursuline Academy vs Groton-Dunstable | JV Volleyball | 9/16" — MaxPreps previewed an upcoming non-conference junior varsity volleyball matchup between Ursuline Academy of Dedham and Groton-Dunstable, scheduled for September 16, according to MaxPreps (read it at https://www.maxpreps.com/games/9-16-2026/jv-volleyball-26/groton-dunstable-vs-ursuline-academy.htm).
COMING UP
The real estate tax demand fee increase to $30 takes effect May 1, 2026, per the Town of Groton's posted announcement. The Ursuline Academy vs. Groton-Dunstable junior varsity volleyball match is slated for September 16, according to MaxPreps.