A drought occurs when a region experiences below-average precipitation over an extended period of time, resulting in low stream flows and low surface water and groundwater levels. Many people mistakenly consider drought a rare and random event, but it is actually a normal, recurrent feature of climate. Although New Hampshire is typically thought of as a water-rich state, it may be even more susceptible to drought than other states due to its geology.

In New Hampshire, drought response efforts are coordinated through a Drought Management Team (DMT), comprised of stakeholders representing specific activities or interests that can be impacted by drought and representatives from relevant state and federal agencies. NHDES is the lead agency for the DMT and designates an employee of the department to serve as Chair of the DMT. more …