Bill > LD500

This bill establishes a comprehensive program to provide free water testing for low-income residents in Maine, focusing on ensuring safe drinking water from household wells. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to create two testing programs: one through the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory to test for arsenic and other contaminants, and another to test for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are synthetic chemicals known for their potential health risks. The testing will use the most recent EPA-approved analytical methods. Low-income residents are defined as those receiving MaineCare or food supplement assistance, and they will not be charged for these tests. The department must also conduct educational outreach to inform eligible residents about the free testing and available grants from the Maine State Housing Authority to help pay for water treatment systems. Additionally, the bill expands grant eligibility for homeowners with well water that exceeds state standards for contaminants, broadening the previous law that only addressed high levels of arsenic contamination. This legislation aims to protect public health by providing resources for low-income residents to identify and address potential water contamination issues.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=500&snum=132