Current conditions from Drought.gov
Drought Conditions in Vermont
All of Vermont is abnormally dry, and a third of the state is experiencing moderate drought. For drinking water systems, drought can impact both the quantity and quality of water supplies. For wastewater systems, drought may limit effluent discharges if receiving waters have low flows.
Vermont Rural Water is part of the recently re-activated Drought Task Force, so please let us know if your system is experiencing any impacts. We have been assisting with drought-related leak detection, groundwater level monitoring, and down-well camera activities.
More Information:
US Drought Monitor Map — Vermont
Drought Preparedness Planning
VT DEC Drought Reporter
UVM Article about Water Workforce
The University of Vermont’s Community News Service recently published an article discussing apprenticeship as a way to address the workforce shortage in the water industry. The article features interviews with Allison Smith of Vermont Rural Water and Tori Beloin, an apprentice with Simon Operation Services.
Asset Management Plans
Presentation at Municipal Day
Vermont’s annual Municipal Day returns on Friday, October 17, 2025 at National Life in Montpelier. Don’t miss this featured session: “Planning for Uncertainty: Asset Management for Sustainable Water Systems in Vermont” from 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM.
This session, led by the DEC’s Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division, will explore how Asset Management Plans (AMPs) can help towns move from reactive repairs to proactive, strategic investment to ensure safe, reliable drinking water. Learn how AMPs can catalog and assess infrastructure assets, identify system risks and lifecycle costs, and plan and prioritize capital improvements. We’ll also share important information about financial support available for AMP development, including forgivable loans of up to $50,000.
For more information on Municipal Day and to register, please visit anr.vermont.gov/special-topics/municipal-day. For more information on how to develop an AMP and the requirements for loan forgiveness, please contact Cheryl.choge@vermont.gov or carmen.zwack@vermont.gov.
Sponsored by:
