|

AUGUSTA– This morning, The Maine State Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the most recent version of LD 1162, “An Act to Ensure Safe Drinking Water for All Maine Families.” The bill was passed 22 to 13. Yesterday, the bill was passed to be engrossed in the House with 108 votes in favor, 40 votes in opposition with 3 absent. 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

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

AUGUSTA– This morning, The Maine State Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the most recent version of LD 1162, “An Act to Ensure Safe Drinking Water for All Maine Families.” The bill was passed 22 to 13. Yesterday, the bill was passed to be engrossed in the House with 108 votes in favor, 40 votes in opposition with 3 absent. 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 faces final votes in the House and Senate before going to the Governor’s desk.