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AUGUSTA– The State of Maine Legislature voted ought to pass as amended on LD 1162: An Act to Ensure Safe Drinking Water for All Maine Families, by a strongly bipartisan vote (Yeas 108 – Nays 40 – Absent 3 – Excused 0). The bipartisan legislation addresses the high level of naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic found in private wells that Mainers rely on as drinking water.

FROM: PREVENT HARM

CONTACT: Izzy Forman
Izzy Forman Communications
207.797.5707; izzy@izzyforman.com

House Votes to Help More Mainers have Clean Drinking Water
Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Safe Drinking Water for Maine Families Approved by House

AUGUSTA– The State of Maine Legislature voted ought to pass as amended on LD 1162: An Act to Ensure Safe Drinking Water for All Maine Families, by a strongly bipartisan vote (Yeas 108 – Nays 40 – Absent 3 – Excused 0). The bipartisan legislation addresses the high level of naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic found in private wells that Mainers rely on as drinking water.

The US Geological Survey has found that as many as 150,000 Maine households could be drinking water with dangerously high levels of arsenic. One in ten private wells are estimated to be contaminated with unsafe arsenic levels, and several towns are hotspots, with 30% or more of private residential wells contaminated.Yet only half of private well water residents test their drinking water for arsenic and other common chemical contaminants like radon and uranium.

Public health advocates supporting LD 1162, say the bill would help educate Mainers who are not aware that they’re drinking contaminated water and exposing their families to toxic chemicals.

LD 1162 has the backing of an equal number of Republican and Democratic co-sponsors. The bill now heads to the Senate for a floor vote.

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