MediaCenter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE: September 29, 2016
CONTACT: James Martin, 603 271-3710

Report Drought Related Economic Impacts to NHDES

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is now collecting information on economic impacts related to the drought to help assess the location and severity of drought impacts and manage drought response efforts. Homeowners on private wells and public water suppliers, as well as industrial, commercial, institutional and agricultural water users withdrawing water from wells or surfaces waters that have experienced or are experiencing water supply issues are asked to report drought impacts. An electronic survey to report impacts for homeowners on private wells as well as a survey for all other water users has been posted at on the home page under What's New or on the Drought Management Program webpage:

While southern New Hampshire is experiencing the most severe drought, water shortage issues are occurring across the state and should also be reported. It is unlikely that enough rain to fully recharge water resources in drought areas will be received before this winter. NHDES will continue to collect information on economic impacts associated with the drought until drought conditions are alleviated.

Hot Topics

  • Emergency Locations for Residents to Access Drinking Water
  • Drought Economic Impact Survey for Households on Private Wells
  • Drought Economic Impact Survey for Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, Public Water System and Agricultural Water Users
  • 2016 Drought Emergency Measures for the Public
  • 2016 Drought Emergency Measures for Municipalities
  • 2016 Drought Guidance for Homeowners with Private Wells
  • Private Well Financial Assistance for Very-Low Income Households
  • Water Restrictions and Bans 2016
  • Drought Conditions

Publications

  • UNH Study: An Analysis of Drought Conditions in New Hampshire
  • Water Resources Primer/Floods and Droughts Chapter

Rules/Regulatory

  • RSA 41:11-d Restricting the Watering of Lawns by Municipalities
  • Env-Dw 503 Public Water System Operational Requirements (For limiting water use: See Env-Dw 503.09 and Env-Dw 503.18-503.20)
  • RSA 482 Dams, Mills, and Flowage
  • Water Conservation Rules

Education/Outreach

  • Press Release: Drought Conditions Worsening: NHDES Urges the Public to Look for Ways to Conserve Water, to Report Water Shortages and Economic Impacts
  • Press Release: NHDES Is Urging the Public to Conserve and Municipalities to Implement Outdoor Lawn Watering Bans
  • Press Release: Drought Management Team Drought Update
  • Press Release: NHDES Urges Residents to Conserve Water
  • Video Recording of NH Drought Management Team Presentation to the New Hampshire Legislature, October 4, 2016
  • Current Drought Conditions in New Hampshire: A Briefing for the New Hampshire Legislature, October 4, 2016

Resources/Links (Complete List)

  • Drought Conditions
  • We’re for Water – Save Water, Energy and $
  • National Weather Service Regional Forecast
  • U.S. Drought Portal
  • Homeland Security & Emergency Management
  • National Drought Mitigation Center
  • UNH Cooperative Extension