The Maine CDC relies on data from many sources to inform its work and to complete its mission. By monitoring current trends, the Maine CDC can recognize early warning signals and be prepared to respond to potential emerging environmental hazards or public health threats.
Environmental Public Health Tracking
The goal of the Maine Tracking Network is to improve public health by making data on environmental hazards and health effects easier to find and use. These data can be used to help understand vulnerable Maine populations, target public health prevention efforts, and evaluate the success of these efforts.
What you can do at the Maine Tracking Network
- View pre-made data reports for selected environmental hazards and health effects
- Make your own customized data reports as tables, charts or maps
- Compare health and environmental data by public health districts or counties
- Link to other state and national resources and materials
Lead in School Drinking Water
In 2019, the Maine Legislature passed a law mandating that all K-12 schools in Maine test their drinking water for the presence of lead. The Drinking Water Program coordinated the sampling effort using a federal grant to pay for the water sample analysis. Sampling took place during the 2021-2022 school year and was extended into the fall of 2022. To see the results of those sampling efforts, and to access more resources about lead in drinking water please visit our Lead in School Water data page.
Food-Related Illnesses
Foodborne diseases are caused by consuming food or beverages that are contaminated by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some diseases may be caused by toxins or chemicals if they are present in the food. Individuals may also be exposed to these same pathogens through recreational water sports, contact with animals, and through person-to-person spread.
To access data for bacterial enteric disease, please view our surveillance reports.