WORCESTER, Mass. – Wednesday's rainfall is the type Massachusetts needed as critical drought conditions persist. But the state's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs said it won't be enough to get us out of a drought.

The director of water policy said much of the state is in an 8 to 11-inch precipitation deficit, so it'll take months of this type of rain for the state to see recovery.

State officials said since we don't know exactly how long drought conditions will last, there are several things people can do to help preserve water.

"Even small steps like not letting the water run when you shower or shave, making sure your dishwasher and washing machine are always running a full load, so that it's most efficient. Fix those leaks in your home,” said Vandana Rao, director of water policy for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. “You know, oftentimes, we may have a drip in a faucet that we're ignoring. A drip may feel like, 'oh, it's just a few drops here and there,' but it's a consistent drip throughout the day, and that adds up."

A level 3-critical drought declaration remains in the Western Connecticut River Valley, and central, northeast and southeast regions of the state.

The Cape Cod and Islands regions were raised to a level-one mild drought status earlier this month.