Majority of Granite State now in severe drought status

The NH Drought Management Team has declared the majority of New Hampshire to be in a state of severe drought, with Grafton, Carroll, and Coos counties maintaining ‘abnormally dry’ status. Previously, only parts of Rockingham and Hillsborough counties were considered to be in severe drought. 

Officials noted that recent rainfall has been insufficient to relieve the drought, and predicted that dry conditions would continue into the fall. As a result, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has recommended that outdoor water use be restricted in affected counties. Specifically, the DES recommends mandatory or voluntary bans on watering lawns during daylight hours and on the use of water to clean outdoor areas such as driveways, sidewalks, decks or cars.

Under New Hampshire state law, during declared drought periods municipalities have the power to institute water bans not just on public water systems, but on properties with private wells. Towns implementing restrictions are empowered to levy fines against those who break a water ban.

The law was implemented after the 2001-2003 drought, which resulted in many private wells going dry. Demand led to long wait times for well replacement services, and some homeowners were forced to connect to a neighbor’s water supply via hose or make other arrangements for water use. Supporters of the law also pointed to cases where homeowners resorted to illegally filling dry wells with trucked-in water.

However, some experts counter that the majority of private wells in New Hampshire are highly unlikely to run dry even during an extended drought. UNH Stormwater Center director Tom Ballestero told Fosters’ Daily Democrat that 95% of Seacoast wells are drilled into bedrock, making them highly resilient to drought. “You might have dozens; anywhere from 20 to 100 households, who may see an issue,” he said.

While many public or privately-owned water systems in New Hampshire have instituted bans or restrictions on water use, no town has yet instituted a community-wide water restriction. A full list of water system bans is available here.

Signs that a private well might be starting to run low include reduced water pressure in sinks or showers, or water pumps running continuously. An overworked water pump may also be at risk of breakdown.