Severe Drought Expands Across Maine, Affecting Water Supplies
Maine is experiencing worsening drought conditions, with nearly the entire state classified as abnormally dry and significant areas under severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Over the past year, parts of the state have received 12 inches less rainfall than average, leading to record-low groundwater levels in some areas. Officials report that dozens of wells, particularly along the Interstate 95 corridor between Augusta and Kittery, are at their lowest levels in 30-40 years. Despite recent rainfall during the first week of September, experts do not expect significant improvement in drought conditions. The lack of snowpack and rainfall over the past year has exacerbated the situation, leaving groundwater reserves unreplenished. More than 368,000 residents are directly affected by the severe drought, which spans from Portland to Waldo and Hancock counties (Bangor Daily News, 2026).