State officials are asking NH residents to conserve water as more than half the state is under a moderate drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor 62 percent of the state, mostly in the southern half, has moderate drought and the remainder of the state is abnormally dry.
Recommended steps include:
- reducing or eliminating landscape watering
- limiting any watering to between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- suspending the washing down of large outdoor surfaces such as cars, homes and driveways
Currently, 47 community water systems have imposed outdoor water use restrictions and the number is expected to increase as drought persists.
Dr. Mary Stampone, NH state climatologist, confirmed that drought conditions are not as severe as they were in the 2016 drought, but she said this drought has come on just as quickly and is more widespread. She says a drought is a result of below average rainfall in the late spring and early summer coupled with high temperatures.
Homeowners on private wells and many smaller community water systems can be more susceptible to the impacts of drought, as they often do not have the resources larger water systems have to manage drought, such as full-time staff, the technology to track water source levels, or a diversity of water sources on which to rely.
Conservation tips and drought emergency guidance for homeowners on private wells, community water systems, municipalities and the public may be found on the NHDES Drought Management webpage. Go to the “A-Z list” at www.des.nh.gov and scroll down to Drought Management.
Current Issue - April 2024