DEAR SUN SPOTS: My neighbor told me she read an article earlier this week about private wells going dry in Maine and where you can report it and get help if needed. She said she would bring me the article to read but one of her kids threw the paper away before she could do that.

My well isn’t dry yet and I’m being very careful. I’m in my 80s and know how to save water! It’s scary though and I want to be prepared. Do you have information to help me?—No name, No town

ANSWER: A few different Maine papers have had articles about the moderate to severe drought conditions some counties in the state are experiencing this year. My home also uses a private well and yes, those of us who have been around a while and those who are particularly sensitive regarding the changing environmental, climate and weather conditions are also on the ball when it comes to conserving this very precious resource.

There have been several mentions on the local television and radio news stations about these dry conditions so listen to those updates. Your municipality may also be able to give you information and assistance.

Signs that your well is running dry are if your faucets sputter and have low pressure when turned on, the water is muddy or discolored, or if your neighbors are experiencing the same issues.

If your well does go dry, you can report it by calling 211 or 1-877-463-6207 to help you fill out a survey to report it at maine-dry-well-survey-maine.hub.arcgis.com.

Other resources available for well repair/replacement loans and grants for those who are eligible because of low income are the Maine State Housing Authority Home Repairs Program https://tinyurl.com/42w863p3 and USDA Single Family Housing Repair Program and https://tinyurl.com/2ky5smch

In the meantime, keep being careful with your water and try not to worry. Don’t be shy about reaching out to neighbors and friends, and if you can, check in with the company who drilled or dug your well, or with a local contractor who may be able to check the well water level for you. I know these folks are very busy right now, but it’s worth the call.

Just the fact that you’re aware of the situation is a very good thing!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: With summer company in town, we have been going out to eat and looking for fun things to do more than usual — only to find places closed or hours reduced because of staffing shortages. Why is it that people are not working? It seems like this shouldn’t still be happening. — Robert, no town

ANSWER: It’s my understanding that one of the reasons is that during the pandemic, many employees left these service jobs and were able to take the time to train and take on remote positions from home. I personally know several people who did just that. While their place of business was shuttered, they were hard at work studying and training to improve their circumstances.

For an in-depth explanation complete with graphics, go to https://tinyurl.com/34wk8wf5. It’s a great read that shines a light on your question and shows in detail what’s going on with the country’s workforce.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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