State Declares Drought, Restricts Sharon to Handheld Hoses
SHARON — The state has declared Sharon part of a Level 2 significant drought, restricting outdoor water use to handheld hoses only, as the town also confronts its first West Nile virus-positive mosquito sample of the season detected elsewhere in the state.
TOWN HALL
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has declared most of Massachusetts, including Sharon, under a Level 2 significant drought designation, according to the town's website. State officials are now requiring that outdoor water use be restricted to handheld hoses only, a tightening of restrictions town officials say residents should follow immediately.
Separately, state public health officials announced the season's first West Nile virus-positive mosquito sample, detected in Berkshire County, according to the town homepage. While the finding was not in Sharon specifically, it marks the start of mosquito-borne illness season statewide and typically prompts local health advisories.
The town's July edition of its "Sharon Matters" newsletter is now available online, offering residents a fuller rundown of municipal updates for the month.
Residents should also note a full slate of upcoming public meetings, including gatherings of the Recreation Advisory Committee and Planning Board this week, and the Select Board the following week.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Sharon Public Library will open late, at 11 a.m., on Monday, July 13, for staff development. Parking at the library remains limited during an ongoing solar panel installation on the roof, the library said in its announcements.
The library also continues its Summer 2026 Book Buff Bingo program for tweens and teens, alongside its broader summer reading offerings for children and families.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Here's How Many Beaches Are Closed To Swimming In MA" — Patch reports that some Massachusetts beaches have reopened following a ruptured sewer line that had caused closures last month, though the report does not specify Sharon-area beaches directly (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/sharon).
"Biggest Megabucks Jackpot Ever Awaits Winner In MA" — according to Patch, the Massachusetts Lottery game has surpassed a jackpot record that had stood since 1985 (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/sharon).
"🌱 Patch AM: Discover the Revolutionary War hero honored at Sharon's library and cemetery" — Patch's daily roundup highlighted a local historical figure with ties to Sharon's library and cemetery, per Patch AM Team (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/sharon).
"🌱 Patch AM: How a Sharon traveler got caught in Logan's sudden ground stop" — Patch reported on a Sharon resident's travel disruption tied to a ground stop at Logan International Airport, according to Patch AM Team (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/sharon).
COMING UP
The Recreation Advisory Committee meets Thursday, July 9, followed by the Planning Board the same evening. The Municipal Solar Oversight Committee meets Monday, July 13, the same day the library opens late for staff development. The Select Board convenes Tuesday, July 14, and the Library Trustees meet Wednesday, July 15. The Sharon Standing Building Committee holds a regular meeting Tuesday, July 21. Patch also lists a "Town Hall With Jason Poulos" event on July 16.