USGS Documents Low Water Conditions Across Maine

Recent lack of precipitation in northern New England has resulted in below normal streamflow and ground-water levels throughout most of the state, according to recent data from the U.S. Geological Survey office in Augusta. Streamflows are at record lows for this time of year on the Sheepscot, Narraguagus, and Machias Rivers. Monthly average streamflow for the Narraguagus River has been in the lowest 25 percent of recorded average streamflows for nine of the last twelve months. Ground-water levels in western, central, and eastern Maine are below normal (within the lowest 25 percent of recorded data for the end of July).

USGS monitors water conditions by collecting streamflow and ground-water level data. Additional information about current water conditions and general drought information can be found on the USGS Maine District Drought Watch page.

Streamflows on free-flowing streams

All flows on free-flowing streams in Maine on August 13 were below their long-term median (average) flows. Most streams were between 66 percent and 75 percent below average for this date in recorded history.

The lowest streamflows in the state on August 13 occurred in central and coastal Maine on the Piscataquis, Sheepscot, Narraguagus, and Machias Rivers when compared to median flows. Streamflows were at record lows for this date on the Sheepscot, Narraguagus, and Machias Rivers, most others were 90 percent below average of all recorded flows for this date. Streamflows are not as severely affected, but are still below median values, in the St. John River basin in Aroostook County.

Monthly average streamflow for the Narraguagus River has been more than 75 percent below recorded average streamflows for nine of the last twelve months. Monthly average streamflow has not exceeded the long-term median for any month since May 2000 on the Narraguagus River.

In general, August streamflows have not been this low since 1995. That year, streamflows continued to recede, and set record low levels, until the middle of September.

Ground water levels

Ground-water levels in 10 wells throughout Maine were measured by the USGS during the last week of July. Ground-water levels in western, central, and eastern Maine were well below normal while ground-water levels in northern Maine were near normal.

In general, ground-water levels are similar to levels recorded during the drought of July 1999, the last period of extended low ground-water levels in Maine. Ground-water levels in Oxford County, Sommerset County, Washington County, and one well in Kennebec County were slightly higher in July 2001 than in July 1999. Ground-water levels in Cumberland County and one well in Kennebec County were lower in July 2001 than in July 1999.

"If conditions do not improve in the near future, as we head into fall, we're likely to see a drought similar to, or even worse than, the drought we experienced in 1999," said USGS Maine District Chief Robert Lent.

Current provisional ground-water levels in Maine are available on the web at http://me.water.usgs.gov

Current provisional ground-water levels across the Nation are available on the web at http://water.usgs.gov/dwc/national_map.html

General information about drought and drought conditions in Maine and the United States is available on the web at http://me.water.usgs.gov/droughtme.html

The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to: describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

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