Maine Bans Adding Water to Drinking-Water Wells

State law prohibits pouring water into wells as dry-well reports climb amid drought, with officials warning of contamination risks.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Current Conditions

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a narrow dry well shaft cut through layered stone, with a faint water seam far below. — Maine law bars adding water to drinking-water wells as the state logged 156 dry-well reports this year amid persistent drought. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should Maine allow homeowners to add water to their own dry wells?

Maine law prohibits adding water to a drinking-water well, including wells on private property. The state has received 156 dry-well reports this year as drought conditions persist.

Why it matters

Pouring water into a dry well can introduce bacteria, viruses or other contaminants, and the water is likely to seep into the surrounding aquifer, offering little relief to well owners across Maine.

Maine had received 156 reports of dry wells this year as of Oct. 15. No comparison with prior years was provided in the source.

The players

Maine Emergency Management Agency

The state agency that issued warnings about contamination risks from pouring water into dry wells and recommended consulting a well driller about options.

The details

Licensed well drillers and authorized water transporters may add water that meets applicable standards, and state-authorized injections into certain Class V wells, including aquifer recharge wells, are permitted. The prohibition, in place since 2002, excludes monitoring wells and wells used for temporary dewatering or extracting oil, gas or brine.

2002: Maine's prohibition on adding water to wells took effect as part of broader environmental legislation.
Oct. 15: Maine had received 156 dry-well reports this year.
2027: The drought is expected to persist into this year.

Seasonal Patterns

The prohibition traces to Maine's 2002 environmental legislation, which remains in force as dry-well reports rise during the current drought. The drought is expected to persist into 2027, extending the period in which well owners must rely on the lowered pumps or replaced wells the state recommends.

Well owners with a dry well should contact a licensed well driller about options such as lowering the pump or replacing the well. Adding water directly is prohibited under Maine law and can introduce bacteria, viruses or other contaminants into the aquifer.

The takeaway

Well owners facing a dry well should consult a licensed well driller rather than adding water themselves, since Maine law prohibits it and the water is likely to seep into the surrounding aquifer without solving the problem.