On October 11th, the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary declared a Level 1 - Mild Drought for Central and Northeast Regions of Massachusetts, Including Dover. This was in response to two months of below normal rainfall and was informed by recommendations and discussions by the Drought Management Task Force (DMTF). For a Level 1 - Mild Drought, the DEP recommends areas limit non-essential water use, including irrigation, to one day per week before 9 am and after 5 pm. Given the drought status for Norfolk County, the water conservation measures recommended by the MA DEP, and the localized drought impacts that are evident through the Towns monitoring wells, the Board of Selectmen have declared a state of drought and limit all non-essential water use, including irrigation, to one day per week before 9 am and after 5 pm.