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Srping 2002 Currents

Editorial: Regional Drought Watch After an extremely dry fall, the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force issued a statewide drought advisory last December. By early 2002, the advisory was increased to a “watch”. The northeast region, along with Cape Cod and the islands, and central Massachusetts were among the regions affected most by the lack of rainfall. Until recently, water levels in the Saugus River had been much lower than usual for the winter and spring seasons. The Lynn Reservoir system dropped to a low of 45% capacity during the month of January. Additional rainfall over the past two months has increased the reservoir capacity to 88% as of mid-May. However, the state has not lifted its drought watch because rainfall in the Northeast region is still 8 inches below normal. More full reservoirs along with signs of spring such as flowering trees and greening lawns can lead to misconceptions that there is enough water in the region. Unfortunately, the groundwater table is still too low. This problem will become more evident later this spring and summer as we head into more typically drier months. We can all make a difference by improving our water conservation at home to help reduce demands on water supply, prevent negative impacts to the Saugus River ecosystem, and even reduce our water bills. With information provided by volunteer participants of our Fish Spotter Program, the Saugus River Watershed Council is working closely with the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission to ensure that there is enough water in the Saugus River for anadromous fish such as alewives and blueback herring. With competing demands on our limited water supplies, even small changes at home will help the environment and ensure an adequate water supply for the region. Water Conservation Tips!

Spring 2002 Currents

2001 SRWC Water Quality Report
Boy Scouts Rebuild Partridge Island Boardwalk at Reedy Meadow
Stormwater and Murky Waters
SRWC Tracks Watershed Projects
General Electric of Lynn Funds Public Access Projects
SRWC Holds 2002 Annual Meeting
Editorial: Regional Drought Watch
Water Conservation Tips!
SRWC Hosts Signs of Spring Program in Saugus
SRWC Offers Marsh Ecology Youth Education Programs
Special Thanks for Grants Received
Adopt-a-Trail Breakheart Reservation
Around the Watershed
Saugus River Watershed Council Up and Coming Events
Other Watershed Events