Despite the recent rainfall, there still isn’t enough water to give relief to rural Vermonters. This fall Vermont has experienced a critical drought, causing families to worry and panic. The drought began in late August of 2025, due to the dramatic heat with no rain in the forecast. Since then, the drought has impacted 100% of Vermont, and around 40% has lost all water. (“Drought Resources | Agency of Natural Resources”)
Farmers have been heavily affected by the drought; without water, they haven’t been able to maintain their crops, and their crops are dying. Animals are in need of water too; without it, they are becoming dehydrated and dying.
In local communities, the drought has caused many issues for families. In response, local residents have stepped up to help those in need. Knowing people in the community are willing to help others by letting them use their water brings a little peace to Vermonters during this stressful time. Some individuals are even building artesian wells in response to the drought in hope to have water this winter.
Groton, not far from Blue Mountain High School, is a small town located in the Eastern part of Vermont; many locals have struggled with the loss of water, especially in homes that contain old, hand-dug wells that were constructed in the 1900’s. These wells don’t hold much water, hence the families with these wells are struggling the most. Michael Scott, a paraprofessional at BMU, emphasized that, “About a month ago [his family] lost water from [their] well.” Blue Mountain Union has recognized that many of their families are dealing with water shortages, so they made the showers at school available for families to use. To that end, the school has set up time slots during the week and weekend that are convenient for anyone to use. Crystal Sweeney, the secretary at BMU who resides in Groton, shared that “As of right now, a lot of families are using the showers.”
Although 40% of Vermonters have no water, most choose to either get water from a nearby spring or rely on friends or relatives who still have access to water. These times are stressful for most, but Michael Scott has reassured that “showering, doing laundry at relatives’ houses, and even [his] neighbor helping [his family by using their] water,” gives him and other families relief. Additionally, the government has been helping by putting out phone numbers for farmers and families to contact if needed (https://anr.vermont.gov/).
While it has been an inconvenience all around, hope has flooded Vermont locals. The forecast has partially been in our favor recently, but time will only tell whether Vermonters will continue to struggle this winter.
