Stow Reaches Level 3 Critical Drought as Water Restrictions Loom

DATELINE: STOW

A Level 3 Critical Drought designation is now in effect for Stow, the most serious drought classification, arriving just as residents find the July edition of the Senior Scoop tucked into their Friday papers.

TOWN HALL

State environmental officials have elevated Stow's drought status to Level 3 Critical, the highest tier before emergency declarations. Residents can find current guidance, including any voluntary or mandatory water-use restrictions, on the town's Drought Information webpage at stow-ma.gov. The designation signals significantly below-normal groundwater and streamflow conditions across the region and typically prompts calls for meaningful reductions in outdoor water use.

Also out today: the July issue of the Stow Senior Scoop, the town's monthly newsletter for older residents, was delivered to every household in town as a printed insert inside the Action Unlimited, which hit doorsteps Friday, June 26. Residents who want to read it digitally can find it on the Council on Aging page at stow-ma.gov.

The Assessors' Office also posted a notice that it opened late on Thursday, June 25. No additional detail on the reason or duration was provided in the announcement.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

No new coverage from Patch, MetroWest Daily News, or The Boston Globe in this cycle.

COMING UP

The Conservation Commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday, June 30 — the only confirmed town calendar event visible in the current window. Residents with matters before the commission can find agenda details at stow-ma.gov.