MAINE RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

As of the latest observations, Maine's dams and reservoirs present a varied picture, with storage levels influenced by seasonal rainfall, water usage, and conservation efforts. Most reservoirs are currently operating within their designed capacity, ensuring adequate water supply for domestic use, irrigation, and maintaining ecological balance. Key facilities like the Sebago Lake, which serves as a primary water source for the Portland area, report stable levels close to long-term averages due to efficient management and moderate precipitation patterns. However, some smaller dams in the state have reported below-average storage, necessitating closer monitoring to ensure water availability does not become a concern, especially as the drier summer months approach.

Closer examination of data from multiple sources including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) water data, local environmental agencies, and recent hydrometeorological reports confirm these findings. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway, a critical habitat for various species, maintains a healthy water level, partly due to minimal interference and sustainable tourism practices. Contrastingly, the Baxter State Park area, which relies heavily on the Upper and Lower Togue Ponds, shows lower than usual water levels, likely a result of decreased inflow and increased evaporation rates. The state's active water management strategies, such as controlled releases and water conservation advisories, aim to mitigate any potential water stress. Overall, while Maine's dam and reservoir system is currently robust, ongoing monitoring and adaptive water management remain essential to counter the variability in weather patterns and water demands.

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.

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.