At its meeting on September 8, 2025 the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force (MDMTF) voted to recommend to place the Southeast Region, which includes Needham, at a Level 1/Mild Drought Category and Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper made the declaration on September 9, 2025.
As a result, the Town is required to implement a mandatory non-essential outdoor water use restriction. Effective September 10th, Needham is at a Level 1 water restriction which means that outdoor watering is restricted to one day per week only: Sundays, before 9 am and after 5 pm (to minimize evaporative loss). During Level 1 restrictions, handheld watering is allowed seven days per week.
Status updates on drought emergencies will be posted on signage around Needham and posted on this dedicated page on the Town’s website www.needhamma.gov/waterrestrictions. You will also find FAQ’s on the water restrictions on the website.
