Vermonters Asked to Report Dry Wells, Water Shortages, and Other Impacts of Drought

Montpelier, Vt . - With drought conditions existing throughout Vermont, state officials are asking Vermonters to report drought impacts. This includes wells or water supplies running out or tasting different, damage to crops and other farm losses, low water levels in lakes, rivers, or recreational areas, and any health issues related to water quality or availability. Vermonters should also consider voluntary water conservation efforts at home.

Reporting drought impacts helps the state assess the severity of the drought, understand where Vermonters may need assistance, and develop plans to address drought impacts. Drought reporting is also vital to the accurate depiction of drought severity on the U.S. Drought Monitor, which triggers key United States Department of Agriculture and Internal Revenue Service programming that can help support Vermonters who may be experiencing significant impacts.

All of Vermont is currently in at least moderate drought. As of September 4, 2025, the U.S. Drought Monitor reports that 65.7% of the state is in moderate drought (the second category of severity), with another 34.4% of Vermont in severe drought (the third stage). While last weekend's rains were beneficial, particularly across northern Vermont, pronounced drought conditions persist across the central and southern parts of the state.

"The effects of drought have become very noticeable in the last 3-4 weeks and include stunted crops, dry soils, brown lawns, a high wildfire danger, and record low streamflow and groundwater levels," said State Climatologist Dr. Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, a professor of Geography at the University of Vermont and the Chair of the Vermont Drought Task Force.

Some areas have seen about eight inches less rain than usual in the last four months. Moisture in the soil is 60-80% below average for this point in September. Without any tropical rain on the horizon, an occasional rain shower or thunderstorm won't be enough to reverse current conditions.

The Drought Task Force, comprised of state, federal and other institutional partners, is meeting regularly to monitor the situation, promote public awareness of the severity of these dry conditions, and develop recommendations for any state response.

Learn more about reporting drought impacts at ANR's Drought Resources web page or drought.vermont.gov , as well as the Conditions Monitoring Observer Reports .

Report Drought Impacts

Low or Dry Drinking Water Sources : If your private well or spring is low or dry, submit a drought report to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) using the online Drought Reporter .

If a public drinking water system is experiencing problems due to the drought, contact the Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division at 802-828-1535.

Wastewater Treatment Impacts : If a wastewater treatment facility is experiencing problems due to the drought, contact the Watershed Division at 802-828-1115.

Agricultural Issues : If your farm is experiencing drought impacts, contact the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and Food Markets to report dry fields, water supply issues, shortage of winter feed, crop loss or other impacts, call 802-828-2430 or email [email protected] .

Other Impacts: Use the Conditions Monitoring Observer Reports tool to report all photos and impacts of wildland fires, dry lakes, ponds and streams, stressed vegetation, irrigation, wastewater, recreation challenges, and algae blooms. These reports assist farmers with obtaining USDA assistance and other technical assistance programs that rely on widespread reporting of drought impacts.

Resources for Dry Wells or Water Shortages

Homeowners : If your private well or spring is low or dry, visit the Health Department's Drought and Your Well web page for short- and long term solutions, or call the Health Department at 802-489-7339.

If supplemental drilling is needed, DEC can provide permitting guidance and may be able to provide loans through the Onsite Loan Program that can help pay for a new well.

Droughts can also affect water quality in many ways. The Health Department recommends testing your private well or spring if you notice changes in your water, like cloudiness, color or smell. Order the Vermont Homeowner Testing Package online or call 800-660-9997.

Farmers : If farms are experiencing a critical shortage of water, they can reach out to these businesses for help hauling water. If the drought persists, financial assistance may be available from USDA in the future.

Public Water System : If a public drinking water system is experiencing problems due to drought, contact the Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division at 802-828-1535 to discuss technical and financial support.

Voluntary Water Conservation

The task force recommends the following simple steps to reduce water consumption at home:

• Avoid washing your car or watering your lawn or garden.
• Repair leaking faucets, pipes, or other fixtures as soon as possible.
• Run the dishwasher or laundry machine with full loads.

Consider installing simple, cost-effective tools that decrease household water consumption. Aerators for kitchen sink faucets only cost several dollars and are simple to install, and low-flow shower heads can make a drastic difference in water consumption.

Find more resources from the EPA's WaterSense program .

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The Vermont Drought Task Force includes representatives from the Vermont Department of Health, Agency of Natural Resources, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Vermont Emergency Management, Vermont State Climatologist, University of Vermont, National Weather Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture/Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, NASA, and Federal Emergency Management Agency.