City's water supply is fine, but those on wells face a more uncertain future

Rochester Water Treatment Plant Chief Operator Ian Rohrbacher stands near the dam at the head of Rochester Reservoir. (Rochester Voice file photo)

While much of central and southwest New Hampshire continues under severe drought conditions, Rochester's city water supply is healthy enough that city officials foresee no water restrictions likely, at least not for now.
"Our water supply is in acceptable condition; we are in better shape now than this period in 2016," said Peter Nourse, director of City Services. "Although the groundwater well supply is unavailable due to river flow restrictions, the surface water reservoir volumes are at approximately 70 percent, which at current production puts us at 5 months' supply."
Nourse said the city implemented a watershed and supply management plan early on, which included aggressive harvesting using a "top down" reservoir release philosophy. This means drawing water from the upper ponds with a systematic approach.
"Rochester is blessed with a natural water system that consists of 8,000 acres of near pristine watershed that holds several ponds which cascade in elevation from Blue Job to our main reservoirs," Nourse noted. "Combined they can hold 600 total million gallons when full."
While Rochester residents can rest assured there is plenty of water around now to
wash their cars and water their gardens, proper stewardship and conservative consumption are always encouraged, Nourse added.
He said the city is ready to enact water usage restrictions should the levels reach that threshold.
Meanwhile, those in Rochester not on city water and other rural communities like Milton and Lebanon, Maine, are facing more of a dilemma.

McKenzie's Farm owner Annie McKenzie said the Milton farm's pond is "very low" but their three wells are still performing well.
"Right now they're doing OK, but I'm worried if this keeps up. When we do get a little shower, it's very spotty."
She said the farm is used to dealing with summer droughts, "but this is more prolonged."
It won't be getting much better in the near future.

The chance for rain through Saturday is only in the single digits, then for the next week there's no more than a 30 percent chance for a daily passing shower or two, with no heavy, steady rainfall in sight.