Vermont remains under a statewide debris burning ban. No burn permits can be issued at this time. Fire danger remains high to very high across the state. Please visit the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources’ Fire Danger Forecast webpage for daily updates, and contact your local fire warden with any questions.

In addition, Vermont is experiencing serious drought conditions:

• 70% of the state is in Severe Drought
• 24% of the state is in Extreme Drought

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has created a Drought Resources website with:

• Drought data & maps
• Drought impact reporting tools
• Homeowner resources
• Agricultural resources
• Public water system guidance

Message from Vermont Emergency Management:
We continue to see drought impacts across the state, from dry wells to crop losses. With little rain in the forecast and rising temperatures, conditions may worsen.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has also requested a statewide agricultural disaster declaration. If approved, this will open additional loan programs for farmers.

Resources & Reporting

• Report private well or spring issues: Use the DEC online Drought Reporter.
• Public drinking water systems: Report drought-related problems to the Drinking Water & Groundwater Protection Division at 802-828-1535.
• General drought observations: Submit through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) tool — please share this link widely so Vermont’s drought impacts are documented.

Guidance for Residents

• Temporary solutions for dry wells:
  • Fill food-safe containers from a tested, safe source (such as a municipal water system or a trusted neighbor).
  • Purchase water from a certified bulk water hauler.
  • Do not pour hauled water into a private well or spring box (prohibited by state regulations).
• Roadside springs: These are not safe for drinking or cooking because they are often contaminated. They may be used for bathing, washing clothes, and flushing toilets.
  • If used for drinking, water must be boiled for at least one minute. Even then, health risks remain, especially for infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

For more information on private wells and springs, visit the Vermont Department of Health’s Drought and Your Well page.