The area mapped in red is experiencing “extreme drought,” accounting for over 65% of the state. Source: US Drought Monitor
It’s easy to mentally check off the impacts of climate change that Vermonters have seen in the past couple of years–floods, heat waves, and wildfires (in our case, wildfire smoke from the west). Now we can add droughts to the list.
Vermont is experiencing its driest August on record since 1895, when data collection began. Windsor, Orange, and Rutland counties have been in the worst area, categorized as “extreme drought,” for the past month compared to the rest of the state. However, the most recently updated drought monitor on October 7th has expanded the area of extreme drought to cover a large portion of nine Vermont counties, making up over 65% of the state (see image). According to drought.gov, New England has experienced more droughts in the past 25 years. In 2000, 2016, 2020, and 2022, we had historic drought conditions that had not been seen since the 1960s.
Human-caused climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. How can climate change cause both flooding and drought? A warmer atmosphere makes water evaporate at a faster rate, which can cause drought. A warmer atmosphere can also hold more water, causing heavy and intense rain events when that water is released. Droughts and heavy rainfall can play off each other, making impacts worse. For example, a long dry spell will cause dry, compacted soils with little vegetation. If a hard, fast rain falls on those soils, the water is more likely to run off than sink into the soil.
Conserve Water
On an individual level, there are ways you can help during a drought. Conserve water by taking shorter showers and washing only full dishwasher and laundry loads. Install low-flow appliances, fix leaks, and stop watering your lawn and washing your car. These are measures that you can incorporate into your everyday life, whether or not there is a drought. Droughts are a good reminder that clean water is a precious resource not to be wasted.
Report Drought Impacts
You can also report the impacts of drought here. The U.S. Drought Monitor, which the USDA uses to guide disaster declarations and relief programs, depends on community-submitted observations. Farmers, gardeners, and citizens can share what they’re seeing to help ensure Vermont receives needed resources, from federal assistance to emergency relief funds, and to strengthen efforts such as the Farm Security Fund. Think you have nothing to report? We can all share the impacts of drought, including dry and wilting plants, dry lawns, dead trees, or a dry or low well.
What To Do if Your Well Is Dry
If your well is running low or dry, report it to the VT DEC. Over 400 wells have been reported running dry in the state so far, with 44 reports of low or dry wells in Windsor County. The State of VT’s Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets maintains a list of water haulers you can use to fill a tank in the short term. Do not fill wells with water delivered by a water hauler, because the water may dissipate back into the ground before it can be used. Visit anr.vermont.gov/disaster/drought#homeowner to learn more about your options. If you need to drill a new well, the VT Department of Environmental Conservation offers an On-Site Loan Program to repair or replace a water system. This list from the Vermont Department of Health provides other possible sources of funding.