AUGUSTA — Maine’s Drought Task Force met virtually Thursday to discuss the worsening drought conditions across the state.

The Drought Task Force is made up of state, federal and private scientific, agricultural, regulatory, water use and natural resources organizations and assists in monitoring, coordinating, and managing responses to droughts and recommends actions to minimize impacts to public health, safety, the environment and agriculture.

Since the Task Force met two weeks ago, much of the State remains in severe drought conditions, while several parts of Aroostook County remain in extreme drought conditions, according to a Friday news release. The Task Force will continue to monitor the situation and plans to convene again in two weeks, or sooner, if needed.

Normal rainfall is expected over the next week in the mountains and northern Maine, per the release. 

“September was not kind to Maine with a record dry month at some locations,” said Don Dumont of the National Weather Service. “If not for the rain the last two days, it would have been much worse. Fall is normally our wettest season. Rainfall this time of year has a much greater chance for increasing soil moisture due to decreased evaporation.”

Echoing the hope for a wet fall season, the U.S. Geological Survey reported ground water levels are receding and remain below normal, and 12 long term streamflow measuring stations were at their lowest levels for any September 28 in the period of record.

“Fall is going to be the proving ground — deciding whether this drought is going to improve or get much worse,” MEMA Deputy Director Joe Legee said.

While there are no mandatory conservation measures currently, dry wells are being reported across the state. MEMA launched the Dry Well Survey in August and has now received feedback of dry wells in all sixteen counties.

The reported dry wells span dug, drilled, and natural spring wells with impacts spanning residential, livestock, irrigation, and processing classifications. Anyone wishing to complete the survey without internet access can call 2-1-1. Completing the survey does not guarantee any type of assistance but helps the Task Force determine how widespread the problem may be and what resources may be needed.

Citizens who may be experiencing low water levels in wells are also encouraged to take the following steps:

Avoid filling wells by a water hauler or fire department. This could contaminate the owner's well because water from an unknown source may contain toxins and water would likely leak out in a short amount of time.

Check water systems for leaks and fix them. This can also save money for those on public water.

Ensure you have a full load before running dishwashers and washing machines.

Space out water usage to avoid a temporary shortage that could damage the pump.

If using drinking water from an outside source, make sure containers and the water source are clean.

Use a licensed well driller or pump installer to check water levels in wells for the most accurate assessment and advice and to avoid contamination.

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) reported continued impact to most crops across the state, especially in Aroostook County.

With the continued drought declaration, the special FSA Farm Programs remain in effect to assist farmers, ranchers and small businesses as the drought continues. The Small Business Administration has also continued the availability for disaster loan assistance. The FSA Farm Programs automatically trigger once a county has been at D2 drought status for eight consecutive weeks or immediately upon hitting D3 status for any length of time, as reported weekly by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Aroostook, Penobscot, Cumberland and York Counties have all reached the D3 level and contiguous counties will include Washington, Hancock, Waldo, Somerset, Piscataquis, Oxford, Androscoggin, and Sagadahoc.

These counties are all eligible for the following programs:

Livestock Forage Program (LFP) - provides payments to livestock producer for grazing losses.

Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) - provides financial assistance to livestock producers for losses resulting from the additional cost of transporting water to livestock due to an eligible drought.

Additional programs available to drought affected producers in Aroostook, Penobscot, Cumberland and York Counties are as follows:

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) - provides cost share to provide emergency water during periods of severe drought (specifically for grazing and confined livestock and existing irrigation systems for orchards and vineyards).

Non-insurable Crop Assistance Program (NAP) - acts like crop insurance but is for non-insurable crops and covers drought related losses. In this case, the crop loss acts as the trigger for the program.

All counties are eligible for the following assistance opportunities:

Maine State Housing Authority Home Repair Program - provides help to low-income homeowners who cannot afford necessary home repairs in the form of a grant and can assist with such things as well repairs or replacements. Applicants are encouraged to apply but will be waitlisted until funds are made available. Funds may be appropriated at any point in time.

USDA Rural Development: Single Family Housing Loans and Grants - provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Applicants will be waitlisted until funds are congressionally appropriated for the next fiscal year.