|

Maine joins growing list of states that have set limits on PFAS in drinking water in absence of federal standard

Augusta, Maine – This afternoon, Governor Janet Mills signed into law LD 129 which will set a reduced maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFAS in drinking water that is in line with neighboring states like Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. This bill will set an interim limit of 20 parts-per-trillion (ppt) for six types of PFAS, a major improvement from the previously used federal advisory level of 70 ppt for only 2 types – a level that top scientists and health care professionals deemed too high and inadequately health protective. 

This is a major victory for the health and safety of Mainers and in the fight for safe drinking water standards across the state. PFAS ‘forever chemicals,’ can increase the risk of some cancers, cause possible harm to the immune system and decrease responses to vaccines. Over the past few years, there have been an increase in stories of drinking water contamination by toxic PFAS across Maine. Over a hundred wells in the Fairfield, Benton, Unity Township and Oakland areas have been contaminated by PFAS, in addition to previously reported contamination in Presque Isle and Trenton, as well as the public supply from the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Wells Water District. 

“Before the passage of this bill, water that was considered ‘safe’ in Maine, would have been illegal to serve in neighboring states,” said Patrick MacRoy, Deputy Director at Defend Our Health. “This bill requires testing of all water utilities and hundreds of schools and child care facilities for PFAS by Dec. 31, 2022. Systems with levels over the 20 ppt standard will have to take action to filter the water, thus helping to ensure that Maine children are not being exposed to high levels of toxic PFAS in their drinking water.”

LD 129, “Resolve, To Protect Consumers of Public Drinking Water by Establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels for Certain Substances and Contaminants,” allows the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to take time to develop a final maximum contaminant level for PFAS while relying on the interim in the meantime. The bill was passed unanimously by the Health and Human Services committee, and sailed through the legislature with strong bipartisan support. In addition, state officials are hoping to provide federal funds to help cover the costs of testing and treatment. 

“We look forward to working with the Mills administration to both see this bill implemented and to continue to address the harm and impact of PFAS throughout Maine,” said Sarah Woodbury, Director of Advocacy at Defend Our Health. “The bill put forward by Governor Mills that lays out the foundation for how the funding from the federal government via the American Rescue and Recovery Act contains funding for public water systems to monitor and remediate for PFAS chemicals. This is an essential funding stream for helping impacted communities.”