New Hampshire in Grip of Deepening Drought: Impacts Growing, Relief Still Elusive
Granite State Report — September 18, 2025
New Hampshire is facing one of its most serious droughts in recent memory. After weeks of abnormally dry weather, large swaths of the state are now classified under severe or extreme drought, with many residents, farmers, and municipalities beginning to feel real, pressing impacts.
Drought by the Numbers
- Roughly 7.3% of New Hampshire is now suffering under extreme drought conditions, particularly in southern Grafton County and parts of Merrimack and Sullivan counties. (New Hampshire Bulletin)
- Much of the remainder of the northern half of the state is under severe drought, while the Lakes Region, Monadnock Region, and Seacoast areas face moderate drought. (WMUR)
- Soil moisture, surface water (rivers, streams, ponds), and groundwater levels are all well below normal. Many wells are running dry. (WMUR)
Local Impacts Growing
Agriculture & Farms
Farmers are seeing significant damage: poor seed germination, uneven ripening, reduced yields in vegetables, and early dropping of fall fruits like apples. Farms are bearing extra costs — pumping water, sourcing produce from other regions, or in some cases, shifting planting plans. (WMUR)
Water Supply (Wells, Rivers, Underground)
Private wells in the most affected areas are failing or yielding far less water. Public drinking water systems are under stress where supply depends on groundwater or small surface waters. Rivers and streams are at critically low flow levels in many locations. (WMUR)
Municipal Restrictions & Conservation Measures
Towns are beginning to impose restrictions. Exeter, for example, has instituted “Level 4” water use restrictions: no watering of lawns, washing cars or driveways, and limitations on patios; exemptions remain for essential uses (animals, crops). (WMUR)
State agencies are also urging conservation. Officials stress that even when rain comes, it must be spread out over days to help soak into the ground rather than result in runoff. (NHPR)
Why Relief Is So Slow
Experts say that ending a drought isn’t as simple as one heavy rainfall. Among the complicating factors:
- Dry soils — Many parts of the state are so dry that rainfall tends to run off rather than soaking in, limiting recharge of groundwater. (NHPR)
- Late-season timing — As New Hampshire heads into autumn and winter, vegetation dies back and soil demand drops, but at the same time, ground freezes. If soils are not recharged before that happen, drought effects can persist long into next year. (NHPR)
- Uneven precipitation — Even when storms occur, they tend to be intense and short-lived, which often leads to runoff rather than deep soil or aquifer recharge. (NHPR)
What’s Needed / What To Watch
- Rainfall Targets: Experts say northern New Hampshire needs about a foot of rainfall (spread out) to significantly recover; southern areas may need around 5 inches. (NHPR)
- Water Use Policies: Municipalities likely will continue tightening restrictions. DES (NH Department of Environmental Services) is encouraging voluntary conservation now, particularly in essential water uses. (NHDES)
- Monitoring & Early Warnings: Keeping a close eye on well levels, streamflow, reservoirs, and soil moisture will be key to assessing where conditions are improving or declining.
- Public Behavior: Residents are being asked to reduce non-essential outdoor water use (lawns, car washing, etc.), to collect rainwater where possible, and to support municipal conservation measures.
Long-Term Risks If Drought Persists
If dry conditions persist through the fall and winter, New Hampshire could face:
- Lingering water shortages for private wells as groundwater fails to recharge.
- Wildfire Risks remaining elevated, especially in forested, drought-stressed areas. (New Hampshire Bulletin)
- Agricultural damage: poor fall harvests, lower quality produce.
- Ecosystem stress, including on aquatic life in low-stream environments.
In Summary
New Hampshire’s drought is no longer a forecast—it’s reality. The combination of low precipitation, hot dry summer weather, and soils and groundwater that have not had a chance to recover means the state is in a fragile position.
Recovery is possible—but it will take more than a single storm. It will require steady rain, strategic water conservation, and coordinated efforts from state and local governments, farmers, and residents alike.
