maine Reservoir Report

June 9 2023

Maine has several reservoirs and dams that provide water for drinking, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. The most significant reservoirs in the state include Sebago Lake, Rangeley Lake, and Moosehead Lake. These reservoirs are fed by streams and rivers such as the Presumpscot River, Kennebec River, and Androscoggin River. The hydrology of the area is heavily influenced by the snowpack in the winter months, which feeds into the rivers and streams during the spring thaw. The mountains, particularly the western mountains, play a crucial role in storing snowpack and regulating streamflow into the reservoirs. Maine has experienced both record high and low levels of water in its reservoirs. In 2020, Sebago Lake reached a record high level due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt. In contrast, a severe drought in 2016 caused water levels to drop significantly in many of the state's reservoirs. Seasonal trends show that water levels typically peak in the spring and early summer due to snowmelt and decrease in the fall and winter months. Overall, reservoirs and dams play an essential role in Maine's water supply and energy production.