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

Since the Task Force met two weeks ago, conditions have improved across much of the state, with northern Maine close to coming out of drought status and the remainder of the state moving to moderately dry conditions, according to a news release. 

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.

The Task Force will continue to monitor the situation and plans to review conditions in one week to determine the next meeting, if needed.

"October is historically our wettest month of the year and it really came through," said Donald Dumont of the National Weather Service.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported much of the stream flow for the state is at a normal level. Surface water levels have risen to mostly normal levels, with Downeast and southern Maine still slightly below normal. Ground water levels are also showing improvement, though some areas are still in need of a rain event.

"We are optimistic that drought conditions will continue to trend in the right direction," MEMA Director Peter Rogers said. "We're not out of the woods yet, but the situation is getting better."

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) reported every county in Maine, except Knox, has received a drought declaration.

The FSA is currently working with Knox County producers on collecting information to justify a declaration.

The special FSA Farm Programs remain in effect to assist farmers, ranchers and small businesses, as well as the Small Business Administration disaster loan assistance programs, per the release. 

Available programs and loans include:

Non-insurable Crop Assistance Program (NAP): provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters including qualifying drought.

Livestock Forage Program (LFP): provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who suffered grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought.

Tree Assistance Program (TAP): provides financial assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant and/or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines lost due to a qualifying natural disaster.

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP): provides emergency relief for losses due to feed or water shortages, disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, which are not adequately addressed by other disaster programs.

Emergency Loan Program: available to producers with agriculture operations located in a county under a primary or contiguous Secretarial Disaster designation. These low interest loans help producers recover from production and physical losses.

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): provides cost share, up to 75% of the producers actual costs, to provide emergency water during periods of severe drought (specifically for grazing and confined livestock and existing orchards and vineyards). Approved practices and measures may include: installing pipelines or other facilities for livestock water or existing irrigation systems for orchards and vineyards; constructing and deepening wells for livestock water; developing springs or seeps for livestock water.

Producers experiencing drought related losses should contact their local FSA Office. A list of local offices can be accessed here.

There continues to be no mandatory water conservation measures, however dry well reports remain an issue across the state. MEMA's Dry Well Survey, launched August, has 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.