Mills signs Fay proposal amending laws governing water supply protection

AUGUSTA – Last week Maine Gov. Janet Mills signed into law LD 211, sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, which will allow water utilities to partner with conservation organizations to preserve land in order to protect water quality for their ratepayers.

State Rep. Jessica Fay

Under provisions of the current law, water utilities are limited in how they may spend their water protection funds. They are currently allowed to unilaterally purchase land so that they can protect water supplies.

A water supply protection fund may be created from a surplus and is capped at 15 percent of the water utility’s annual revenue or $100,000, whichever is greater of the two amounts.

Currently, these funds can only be used to purchase land outright.

“LD 211 is a common-sense proposal that will allow water utilities to work in partnership with others to further help preserve land for hiking, hunting, fishing and other types of outdoor activities while at the same time protecting our water resources,” said Fay. “Preserving land and forests protects our water quality. When our water quality is protected, expensive treatment and filtration become less necessary, passing along savings for ratepayers.”

The new law will go into effect 90 days after the current session of the Maine Legislature adjourns.

Fay, House chair of the Government Oversight Committee and a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives.

She serves the community members of Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, and part of Poland. <