Drought monitoring in Maine relies on coordination among state and federal partners, including the U.S. Geological Survey, the Maine Emergency Agency, the National Weather Service, and the Maine Public Utilities Commission. These agencies track precipitation, streamflow, and groundwater levels to assess drought conditions and potential impacts on water supplies.
The Maine Drought Task Force coordinates drought monitoring, assessment, and response across the state. Its role is to facilitate communication and situational awareness, develop a unified assessment of drought conditions, and provide recommendations to the Governor or other relevant organizations. The Task Force activates when abnormally dry conditions in Maine escalate.
Research on drought impacts in the Northeast shows prolonged dry conditions can reduce streamflow, lower groundwater levels, and stress public water systems.
The US Drought Monitor provides regional information on drought conditions and hydrologic indicators across New England.
The U.S. Geological Survey provides maps of current water conditions, statistical graphs and tables, and information to help provide a complete picture of what is happening hydrologically in an area of interest. This can be especially useful during hurricanes, large flooding events, and tracking longer-term challenges like drought.
Map of real-time streamflow compared to historical streamflow for the day of the year (Maine)
Effect of Drought on the Northeast
(1961 – 66) USGS Atlas HA - 243
It is widely recognized that the drought of record for the Northeast occurred in the 1960’s. That drought provided the basis of design for water systems in this region. A 1966 USGS Atlas, which illustrates the impact of that drought on water resources in the Northeast, resides on the USGS website.