DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – A longstanding drought across nearly all of Minnesota has left some shallow wells running dry.

Minnesota Department of Health’s hydrologist Michael Convery says the shallower wells were a popular, less-expensive option in the 20th century in usually wet areas in the Duluth area.

Now, shallow wells are prohibited for new construction under state building codes because they aren’t as dependable as deeper wells.

Cindy Mackay, in the town of Rice Lake, tells the Duluth News Tribune she’s never had a problem in her 14 years until recently when her well went dry. She says at least four neighbors have also had wells run dry.

The National Drought Monitor now predicts that Minnesota’s drought will worsen in coming months.

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