New data from the federal government indicates that portions of southern Maine are now entering into “severe drought” territory.

The U.S. Drought Monitor’s latest drought map for Maine, released today,  indicates a severe drought is now impacting parts of half of Maine’s counties.

On Thursday, Maine Emergency Management Agency Drought Task Force facilitator Samuel Roy said the map indicates 76.5% of the population are living in 8.14% of the state now considered to be in severe drought.

According to the Drought Monitor’s website, the classification “severe drought” indicates the potential for crop or pasture losses, water shortages and water restrictions.

“Certainly, we’re in a situation that needs to be looked at,” Maine Emergency Management Agency Director Peter Rogers said.

Other members of the task force indicated impacts are already being felt, including sporadic reports of unusually low private well levels and some non-irrigated crops reporting dry conditions.

“Everyone who has irrigation is now using it,” said Tom Gordon, a member of the task force reviewing agriculture across the state.