CONTACT: Spencer Roberts, MEMA Public Outreach Specialist
CELL PHONE: (207) 620-0960
EMAIL: [email protected]

AUGUSTA, MAINE- The Maine Drought Task Force met on October 2nd for the second time this season to assess drought conditions that continue to stress water resources, agriculture, and communities statewide. Despite recent rainfall, much of Maine remains in drought, with impacts expected to continue into the fall and winter months.

"This has been one of the driest summers Maine has ever recorded," said MEMA Director Pete Rogers. "Several streams and rivers are at record lows, farms are feeling significant impacts, and hundreds of households have reported dry wells. The Task Force is working to ensure that Mainers have the resources and information they need as we face these ongoing challenges together."

Current Conditions

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 16% of Maine is in extreme drought, 42% in severe drought, and another 12% in moderate drought. The remainder of the state is considered abnormally dry. Summer 2025 was Maine's sixth driest on record.

• Six streamflow gauges are recording their lowest levels ever for this time of year.
• Some parts of Maine have seen precipitation deficits of 9 inches over the past three months.
• While September rainfall replenished topsoil moisture, groundwater and deeper soil reserves remain critically low.

The National Weather Service estimates that Maine would need 150% of normal rainfall (6-12 inches) over the next several months to end the drought before the ground freezes. Once soils freeze, precipitation can no longer effectively recharge aquifers until spring.

Impacts on Water Supply

The Maine CDC Drinking Water Program (DWP) reports that most public water systems remain resilient, thanks to capital improvements in recent years. However, several systems in Cumberland, Franklin, Oxford, Somerset, Washington, and York Counties are reporting drought-related water challenges.

Private wells remain at risk. To date in 2025, 306 households have reported dry wells or muddy/discolored water.

"The Maine CDC Drinking Water Program suggests that both public water system customers and private well owners practice water conservation measures such as limiting non-essential water uses, such as lawn irrigation, and only running full loads of laundry and dishes." Said Cybersecurity and Resilience Coordinator for the Maine CDC DsWP, Joshua Laufer, PhD. "Public water system customers should connect with their water supplier for assistance with drought-related issues. Technical assistance is available for private well owners at the DWP (207.287.2070)."

Residents can report issues through the Dry Well Survey. For help filling out the survey, call 211 (or 1-877-463-6207) or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Please note: reporting is not an application for assistance.

Agriculture & Wildfire

Drought continues to strain Maine's farms and forests:

• The Maine Forest Service has responded to 747 wildfires this season, which have burned 472 acres, 21 residences, and 40 other structures.
• A consistent water supply is critical for crops, which generally require about one inch of water per week. This year's rainfall deficit in July and August has shortened row-crop seasons, reduced hay yields, and raised feed costs for livestock producers. Berries and tree fruits may also feel impacts in future years.
• To help farms adapt, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is funding wells, water storage ponds, and water management plans. So far, DACF has supported 4 ponds, 10 wells, and 10 water management projects across potato, blueberry, and vegetable farms statewide.
• Looking ahead, DACF aims to invest up to $900,000 by 2026 to improve water supplies for more than 40 farms.

"Farmers are on the front lines of drought impacts," said DACF Soil & Water Conservation Program Coordinator Tom Gordon, MPA. "By expanding water sources and smarter water use, we are helping Maine agriculture withstand increasingly dry summers."

What Mainers Can Do

The Drought Task Force encourages residents and communities to take steps to conserve water and reduce fire risks:

• Check with your town or city office for local water resources and restrictions.
• Use caution with campfires, grilling, or disposing of smoking materials, and follow any burn restrictions.
• Fix household leaks (toilets, faucets, showers).
• Limit outdoor watering to essential uses only, and avoid watering during the day when evaporation is highest.
• Plant native or drought-tolerant species.

The Drought Task Force is made up of state, federal, and private partners in water, agriculture, forestry, and public health and will continue to meet regularly as drought conditions persist.

For more information and resources, visit:

• MaineHousing Home Repair Program
• USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants
• Maine CDC Private Well Water webpage (for technical assistance)
• DACF Farmers Drought Relief Fund
• Maine Forest Service Wildfire Danger Report
• U.S. Drought Monitor
• USGS Water Watch
• Northeast Drought Early Warning System
• National Integrated Drought Information System
• NWS Caribou Drought Information Statement
• NWS Gray Drought Information Statement

For other safety and preparedness information, visit MEMA's website or find us on Facebook, X, Bluesky, and Nextdoor.

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