Legislative committee advances Fay’s safe drinking water bill

AUGUSTA – The Maine Legislature’s Labor and Housing Committee voted unanimously last week to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, aimed at supporting safe drinking water in Maine.

State Rep. Jessica Fay

LD 1891 would provide one-time funding to eligible owners of single-family homes or landlords for the treatment of private drinking water wells that show evidence of contamination. The Division of Environmental and Community Health estimates that one in 10 wells in Maine has high levels of arsenic, uranium, radon or other harmful chemicals.

“I am proud that there is unanimous, bipartisan committee support for this bill,” said Fay. “Having access to safe, clean drinking water is fundamental to the health of our communities. Naturally occurring arsenic and other emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, can cause significant health problems and even developmental issues in younger children. This bill will help more people in Maine access clean well water and help keep our kids and grandkids safe.”

The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.

PFAS chemicals are used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Fluoropolymer coatings can be in a variety of products including clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire.

Many PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, and perfluorooctanoic acid, pose a public health concern because they do not break down in the environment, can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources, and build up in fish and wildlife.

Scientific studies have shown that that these forever PFAS chemicals may result in damage to the liver, thyroid, and pancreas; make it harder for a woman to get pregnant; increase the risk of asthma; affect growth, learning, and behavior in infants and children; and interfere with natural human hormones. 

Fay is serving her third term in the Maine Legislature and represents parts of Casco, Poland and Raymond. She serves on the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and the Government Oversight Committee. <