CBC News - Drought has dried many wells all over New Brunswick, groundwater association says
“If we do keep going this way, and we don’t have the amount of rain or snow that we’re used to … next summer you might not have any water. Or you might be on a restricted use of water, you know, for the next few years.”
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This recent article from CBC News highlights growing concerns in New Brunswick as more residents report wells running dry amid ongoing drought conditions across much of the province. The New Brunswick Groundwater Association says the scale of well depletion this year is unusually widespread, with reports coming in from southern communities near Moncton and St. Stephen, as well as the Acadian Peninsula. Many of the affected wells are shallow, though some deeper wells have also begun showing signs of decline.
According to contractors, wells in parts of the province are now needing to be drilled 300 to 500 feet deep — far beyond typical depths — to reliably reach water. Even recent rainfall offers limited relief, as extremely dry soils must re-saturate before any water can recharge aquifers. Officials note that full groundwater recovery could take months or even years without sustained precipitation or adequate snowfall over the winter.
For households reliant on private wells, the impact is immediate. Some residents are reducing water use to the bare essentials, hauling water from springs, or arranging temporary supplies. Municipalities are also monitoring reservoir levels closely in case conservation measures or restrictions become necessary.
As New Brunswick experiences what the Canadian Drought Monitor classifies as “extreme” to “exceptional” drought conditions (i.e. drought conditions with a 20-year or 50-year return period, respectively), local experts stress the need for proactive conservation and long-term planning. Reduced snowpacks, warmer temperatures, and shifting seasonal precipitation patterns are contributing to conditions that may become more common in years ahead.
National-scale hydrologic modelling efforts like the Canada1Water (C1W) project play an important role in understanding and responding to water scarcity. By integrating climate, groundwater, and surface water systems, C1W provides insight into how prolonged dry periods affect aquifers, streamflow, and local water availability. As drought pressures intensify, these tools can help communities, planners, and policymakers develop strategies to strengthen resilience and protect water supplies over the long term.