The Wareham Water Department was awarded a $104,483 grant from the state to create a drought management program.

Water Superintendent Andrew Reid said that the department currently doesn’t have a drought plan — in part because the district hasn’t experienced a serious drought since the 50s or 60s, when the district was much smaller.

“The steep cost of water management and maintenance can be an overwhelming burden on limited local budgets,” said Senator Marc Pacheco. “I am glad the Wareham Fire District has been selected to receive these valuable grant resources to enhance the community’s drought management and I would like to extend my gratitude and congratulations to everyone on the local level who contributed this successful application.”

“This is a very substantial grant, and I congratulate Superintendent Reid for his work in securing it,” said Representative Susan Williams Gifford. “Weather in the long term can be unpredictable but having a plan in place to address something so critical to our water supply as potential drought will make a difference for our future.”

The grant was part of the Water Management Act, which is meant to help municipalities conserve water and plan for the future effects of climate change.

“These grants support our efforts to help municipalities provide clean, safe and reliable drinking water to their citizens while protecting their local environment and wildlife,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “As our climate changes, it is critical that we ensure our water resources and infrastructure are resilient and prepared for future impacts like drought.”