How severe is the current drought?

Unfortunately, dry periods are becoming more frequent in Maine, with some parts of the state experiencing unusually dry or drought conditions almost annually.

Arrowsic, Georgetown and much of Maine are currently experiencing a Flash Drought, which typically happens during the warm seasons. As shown on the drought map below, about half of the state is classified as having severe drought conditions – including all of Sagadahoc County.

Severe drought in Maine significantly impacts the state’s agriculture, increasing the risk of dry wells for residents who rely on private wells, and raising the threat of wildfires. Farmers in Maine are facing challenges with crops and livestock due to the lack of adequate rainfall, forcing them to implement water conservation measures and even truck in water.

At home, you may have noticed trees losing their leaves earlier, reduced yields in your garden, dry stream beds (see picture below), and some wells may have gone dry.  

What does drought mean for well owners?

Reports of dry wells have increased across the state, with more anticipated due to worsening conditions. Typically, certain types of wells are more prone to water supply problems when drought conditions are present.

These wells include dug wells, shallow bedrock wells, wells located near topographic high points, and wells constructed in areas where bedrock is close to the ground surface.

The graph shows how depth-to-water levels have increased in nearby Brunswick due to the drought (NAVD is a fixed vertical data point used for measuring water levels).

Your well may be at risk of running dry if:

·      your faucets sputter when turned on or if you have no water.

·      you see discolored or muddy tap water,

·      there is a change in taste or smell in your water,

·      your neighbors are reporting dry wells.

What you can do to reduce the stress on your water supply

  • Spread out the timing of water use so that multiple water uses do not co-occur and so the well has time to replenish between uses.
  • Cut out non-essential uses, such as outdoor water use for lawn watering, car washing, and pressure washing. This can reduce a household’s water use by 30-50%.
  • Cut back on shower times, only do full loads of laundry, and turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, doing dishes, shaving, and washing hands.
  • Replace old water fixtures and appliances with more efficient products Look for WaterSense certified fixtures to ensure you are choosing products that will save water and still perform well.
  • Fix any leaks around the house, especially running toilets which can waste hundreds of gallons a day. Old and worn toilet flappers are often the culprit and are very easy and inexpensive to replace.

What should I do if my well goes dry?

Ø  Contact our WaterWise hydrogeologist Carol White, for advice or assistance carol@cawhitemaine.com

Ø  Please consider reporting your dry well to the Maine Geological Survey using their online form.

The Maine Drinking Water Program does not recommend adding water to a dry drinking water well.  This is generally ineffective in restoring your supply, can introduce contaminants, and can cause damage to the well and/or well pump. Instead, bottled water or cistern systems should be considered for temporary emergency water supply. For more information on bulk water, please see our resource page on Bulk Water Haulers.

Where can I find more information?

Visit Maine Drought Task Force to learn more.

For the latest drought conditions  check out  the Maine page on the U.S. Drought Monitor US Drought Monitor Maine.

See the Maine Drinking Water Program Maine Drinking Water Program Drought in Maine