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Low rivers and lack of rain raise summer drought fears

Water levels spur concerns about wildlife, fisheries, growing season

By David Abel

 |  Globe Staff  

  March 31, 2012

At a time when rivers and streams throughout the region usually crest, much of the state is bone dry and many rivers are at record lows. The stark levels - caused by one of the driest and warmest winters on record in Massachusetts - have raised fears among state officials and environmental advocates about pervasive drought this summer and widespread failures of fish to spawn in freshwater breeding grounds. Increased algae blooms and swimming bans are also possible.

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