Five months with little rain has left Massachusetts dry and the South Coast in a drought watch, and while tri-town leaders are being cautious, they say there is still plenty of water in the aquifer.

Earlier this month the state declared that Southeastern Massachusetts had been moved from a drought advisory to a drought watch. There are five drought levels, from normal to emergency, and watch falls in the middle, based on a number of factors including rainfall, soil conditions and groundwater.

Cranberry growers are feeling the effects as their water supply dries up, but residents on municipal water are simply being asked to cut back.

On June 15 the Town of Marion enacted water restrictions for residents that were scheduled through Sept. 15.

As of now, Town Administrator Paul Dawson said he doesn’t expect that end date to change.

“As we sit here today, I expect they will end on time,” he said. “That is subject to change, but right now I would hope as the cooler weather comes in, the demand for watering will lessen, and we’ll see the summer folks leave and the pressure for water will decrease.”

The restrictions are a yearly occurrence for the town, and simply limit residents to watering outside between 6 and 8 a.m. and 6 and 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for even street numbered homes, and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for odd street numbered homes.

Residents can wash vehicles and water plants on Sundays between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. if they use a handheld hose.

Even though this summer has been significantly dryer than last year, Dawson said there is no immediate threat to the water supply on the horizon, but if the dry weather continues it could become an issue.

“We’ve kept enough supply that we don’t see any emergency on the horizon,” he said. “If the drought continues that could change, but right now we’re thinking the cooler, wetter weather will help alleviate any situation.”

Mattapoisett has not been under any restrictions all summer, but a voluntary water restriction is likely to go into effect Sept. 1, said Water and Sewer Commissioner Henri Renault.

He said the Water and Sewer Board has to sign the restriction into effect. While it would not be mandatory, residents would be asked to water lawns and gardens only on even dates if their address number is even and the same for odd.

“That will lower our withdrawal rates,” Renault said. “Our wells are fairly stable, however, how long is it going to stay dry? How do you predict that?”