December 9, 2016
AUGUSTA, MAINE —The State’s Drought Task Force (DTF) met today for its final meeting in 2016 to discuss conditions related to the ongoing drought in Maine. The drought is expected to continue through the winter, but should slowly improve.
“Much of the state is still in some form of drought or abnormally dry, although we have seen improvements over the last few months,” said Maine Emergency Management Agency Director Bruce Fitzgerald. “Now what we need is snow and we need it to get into the ground.”
“Severe drought spread to the north and east last month,” said Tom Hawley of the National Weather Service in Gray. “But, there has been some improvement in the last one to two weeks.”
Hawley stated that the six to ten day forecast calls for colder temperatures and higher than normal precipitation. Once the ground is frozen, precipitation will no longer reach groundwater to help with recharge.
Maine State Housing has received a second allocation of $250,000 to assist low-income homeowners with dry wells. Interested homeowners should contact their local Community Action Program. Farmers should be thinking ahead to next season and are encouraged to contact the USDA Farm Service Agency regarding the Noninsured Crop Disaster Program and assistance for livestock.
Citizens are reminded to avoid filling wells with foreign water due to the dangers of contamination, corrosion or lead problems. Citizens are encouraged to use water wisely. More information on water conservation is available at Maineprepares.com
AUGUSTA, MAINE —The State’s Drought Task Force (DTF) met today for its final meeting in 2016 to discuss conditions related to the ongoing drought in Maine. The drought is expected to continue through the winter, but should slowly improve.
“Much of the state is still in some form of drought or abnormally dry, although we have seen improvements over the last few months,” said Maine Emergency Management Agency Director Bruce Fitzgerald. “Now what we need is snow and we need it to get into the ground.”
“Severe drought spread to the north and east last month,” said Tom Hawley of the National Weather Service in Gray. “But, there has been some improvement in the last one to two weeks.”
Hawley stated that the six to ten day forecast calls for colder temperatures and higher than normal precipitation. Once the ground is frozen, precipitation will no longer reach groundwater to help with recharge.
Maine State Housing has received a second allocation of $250,000 to assist low-income homeowners with dry wells. Interested homeowners should contact their local Community Action Program. Farmers should be thinking ahead to next season and are encouraged to contact the USDA Farm Service Agency regarding the Noninsured Crop Disaster Program and assistance for livestock.
Citizens are reminded to avoid filling wells with foreign water due to the dangers of contamination, corrosion or lead problems. Citizens are encouraged to use water wisely. More information on water conservation is available at Maineprepares.com
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