Here you see the mouth of Patten Stream at mid-tide. Those who know this beautiful corner of the coast at all tide levels will notice something different – the stream flow is so low that you can’t see any waterfall or even narrow cascades of fresh water.
Although we’ve had some rain, the stream is struggling in our long-lasting severe drought. The situation is not quite as catastrophic as during our most devastating 1999-2003 drought. However, it may get to that level and already is alarming. Water tables (including some wells) are at or near all-time lows in some areas and Maine’s Drought Task Force reports that rivers, lakes, and coastal aquifers are severely depleted.
Paradoxically, our warming seas are rising and there is an increasing possibility of an aberrant storm that could overwhelm parts of our coast, especially in winter.
Nonetheless, the clear, reflective salt waters of Patten Bay are a briefly calming influence for those of us who are on the verge of desperation about our environment:
(Images taken in Surry, Maine, on September 5, 2026.)