Despite recent rainfall, most of New Hampshire remains in drought, and state officials anticipate dry conditions will continue into the winter. Experts say the onset of frozen ground could limit soil’s ability to absorb moisture from snowmelt, potentially delaying recovery until spring.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought levels have improved slightly since the summer, but areas along the borders with Maine and Vermont still face extreme drought conditions. Much of the state continues to receive below-average precipitation. Ted Diers, who leads the water division at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, said that current soil conditions are unlikely to change significantly before the ground freezes.
“A lot of the conditions that we have are pretty much set going into the winter, because we do expect to see ground freezing up,” Diers said. Once frozen, drought-impacted soil is less likely to soak up moisture from melting snow, reducing the potential for groundwater replenishment during the colder months.
One consequence has been a growing number of residents experiencing dry wells. As groundwater levels drop, some homeowners have begun purchasing water from delivery services, which Diers estimates can cost several hundred dollars per month. Others are turning to well drilling companies to drill deeper wells in search of more reliable water sources. However, demand has grown high enough that wait times for drilling services can stretch for months.
“If aquifers don’t get refilled, the drought will be prolonged even more,” Diers said.
State agencies continue to monitor groundwater and precipitation levels, but officials caution that recovery will require steadily above-average rainfall throughout the winter and into spring. For now, many communities are being asked to conserve water, as the state prepares for a potentially long recovery from one of its most persistent droughts in recent years.
As winter approaches, the drought’s impact is expected to solidify, with limited opportunities for recovery until seasonal thaw. Without significant precipitation, New Hampshire may face continued water shortages and increased pressure on residential water systems well into 2026. The dry conditions have also affected NH ski areas investing in snowmaking equipment ahead of the winter season.
