Droughts...What you should know.

“"Drought doesn’t just dry up streams—it impacts the groundwater we all rely on. Understanding how aquifers and wells respond is key to managing water wisely and staying resilient." ” - Abby Thompson-Fopiano

Introduction:

When a drought hits, it doesn’t just mean a dry lawn or wilting plants—it has far-reaching effects, especially for those of us who rely on wells for drinking water. In New Hampshire, the impacts of drought on groundwater are a pressing concern. Let’s explore how drought conditions are classified, how they affect groundwater, and what we can do to manage these challenges.

Watch as Abby explains droughts and how it may affect YOU!

What is a Drought, Anyway?

Droughts are classified by the U.S. Drought Monitor using data from hydrologists and other experts who track lake levels, stream flows, dam conditions, and groundwater levels. They rely on input from forest rangers, farmers, and even the ski industry to understand how droughts impact everything from crops to forest health. The classifications range from D0 (abnormally dry) to D4 (exceptional drought).

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• D0 – Abnormally Dry: The earliest stage, where water deficits begin to appear and crops start showing stress.

• D1 – Moderate Drought: Crop damage and water shortages become evident, and voluntary water restrictions often kick in.

• D2 – Severe Drought: This stage brings likely crop losses and mandatory water restrictions.

• D3 – Extreme Drought: Rare in New Hampshire, this stage causes widespread water shortages and major agricultural impacts.

• D4 – Exceptional Drought: Thankfully, this level is almost unheard of in the state.

A Look Back: The 2020-2022 Drought

The recent drought from 2020 to 2022 gave us a real glimpse into how prolonged dry conditions affect groundwater. It began in the spring of 2020, worsening through the summer and fall. Instead of the usual fall relief, New Hampshire faced an extreme drought late into the year, sparking concerns about a multi-year dry spell.

Rain and snow brought some relief in 2021, but the drought wasn’t truly over until early 2023, after steady fall and winter rains replenished groundwater levels.

How Does Drought Impact Groundwater?

In New Hampshire, we rely on two main types of aquifers for water:

1. Sand and Gravel Aquifers: These sit above bedrock and are closely tied to the water table.

2. Bedrock Aquifers: Found deeper underground, water here is stored in cracks and fractures within the rock.

Wells tap into these aquifers in different ways:

• Dug Wells: Shallow, typically no deeper than 25 feet, dug wells are most vulnerable to drought. When the water table drops, they’re the first to go dry.

• Gravel Wells: Drilled deeper into the aquifer, these wells are more resilient than dug wells but still affected by a shrinking water table.

• Bedrock Wells: These go hundreds of feet deep, accessing water from fractures in the bedrock. They’re less directly impacted by short-term changes in the water table but can face long-term effects from drought.

The Challenges of Recharging Groundwater

Replenishing groundwater isn’t as simple as a single rainstorm. Heavy, short bursts of rain often lead to surface runoff, which doesn’t infiltrate the soil. To truly recharge groundwater, we need slow, steady rainfall over days or weeks.

Even after a drought ends, it can take 18 months—or longer—for bedrock aquifers to fully recover.

How Can We Be Resilient?

New Hampshire residents have taken steps to adapt:

• Replacing shallow dug wells with deeper bedrock wells.

• Hydrofracturing bedrock wells to improve water flow.

• Connecting to public water systems that have more reliable supplies.

But the most important thing we can do is practice water conservation:

• Install low-flow toilets, showerheads, and EPA WaterSense appliances.

• Limit outdoor water use—don’t let hoses run unnecessarily.

• Use irrigation systems with rain sensors and timers.

When water use restrictions are in place, follow them. Every drop counts!

Why It Matters

Water connects us all—whether it’s raindrops, surface water, or the groundwater that fills our wells. Understanding how drought affects these systems helps us protect this vital resource. By conserving water and staying informed, we can ensure that New Hampshire remains resilient, even during challenging dry spells.

Brought to you by Edgewater Strategies