State Declares Critical Drought, Groton Bans Outdoor Watering

GROTON — The state has declared a Level 3 Critical Drought for the Northeast Region, including Groton, prompting the Groton Water Department to immediately ban non-essential outdoor water use.

TOWN HALL

The Commonwealth's Level 3 — Critical Drought designation for the Northeast Region, announced Monday evening, triggers immediate restrictions under the state's Drought Management Plan, according to the town's News Flash announcement. The Groton Water Department is implementing a ban on non-essential outdoor water use effective immediately, town officials said, though the announcement did not specify enforcement details or an expected end date for the restrictions.

Residents are directed to the Groton Water Department for further guidance on what qualifies as essential versus non-essential use.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

A Google Alert digest picked up regional coverage touching on Groton indirectly, including a MaxPreps preview of an "Ursuline Academy vs Groton-Dunstable | JV Volleyball | 9/16" matchup, noting the two schools' non-conference volleyball game is scheduled for September 16 (read it at https://www.maxpreps.com/games/9-16-2026/jv-volleyball-26/groton-dunstable-vs-ursuline-academy.htm).