Hi Tom,
I've been (homesteading) in North-Northeast Maine since 1976 (located about 30 miles south from Houlton - where Interstate 95 ends).
Just for a general review - we can count on a few winter nights (sometimes a week of them) of -20 to -25 degree temperatures, and seldom but sometimes -30 to -35 ... though rare nowadays (with our quite notable climate change).
Currently we've been in those La Niña weather cycles (for a few winters) so there are less early winter low temperatures, therefore the ground is not freezing as deeply before the snow cover insulates the ground.
Depending on the location of course - there's generally a pretty high water table here. If anything our water issues are less about shortages and more about providing plenty of drainage for the excess.
For instance at my location, having a home with a cellar could be nearly impossible (unless an indoor swimming pool is desirable).
Presently (all summer) we've been in an unusual drought condition - dryer than I've ever seen it - three feet of water in my 12 foot deep shallow well. Usually it's about 8-9 feet deep and 10 feet deep in spring (mud season).
{I'm single, so that small capacity well has been sufficient - thus far}
Best Wishes ~ Rob
