Drought conditions widespread across Massachusetts

NEEDHAM — More than half of both Massachusetts and New Hampshire are now facing moderate drought conditions, according to the latest update from the United States Drought Monitor.

Approximately 54% of Massachusetts is currently under that classification. Another 24% of the state is abnormally dry.

The Drought Monitor observed an extended dry pattern for much of the Northeast. Rain deficits across Massachusetts for the past 30 days range from 11% in Springfield, to 38% in Boston and 53% in Pittsfield.

In New Hampshire, where that number is up to 72%, the state Department of Environmental Services told people with private wells to start conserving water.

"To protect your well supply, it is recommended that outdoor water use be limited and water use be staggered, allowing the well time to recharge between demands," the department said in a statement Thursday.

Lake levels are starting to fall and dam releases that impound those lakes have been reduced to the minimum needed, the department said. As a result, many of the small hydropower projects on the state’s tributary rivers are no longer able to generate power, although the hydropower projects on the main stem rivers, such as the Merrimack and Connecticut, continue to operate.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.