• Read more about Phase II/V (Nitrate/Nitrite, Inorganics, Organics)

Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units that combine with various organic and inorganic compounds. They come from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in the soil, where flowing ground water picks them up. High levels of nitrates and nitrites in groundwater are usually due to human activities but can sometimes be found naturally in groundwater. The major sources of nitrates and nitrites in drinking water are runoff from fertilizer use, sewage – especially leakage from septic tanks – and erosion of natural deposits.

• Read more about Revised Total Coliform and Groundwater Rule (RTCR)

Groundwater Rule

Summary

The intent of the Groundwater Rule (GWR) is to provide for increased protection against microbial pathogens in public water systems that use ground water sources. The GWR was written with particular concern about those ground water systems that are susceptible to fecal contamination since disease-causing pathogens may be found in fecal contamination.

• Read more about Statutes and Rules

Rules, Policies, and Regulated Contaminants

The Drinking Water Program is the primacy agency responsible for enforcing the federal Safe Drinking Water Act along with Maine drinking water laws and regulations.

• Read more about Reporting

Reporting Test Results

All public water systems are required to regularly sample and test their water to ensure that it meets federal and state drinking water standards and is safe to drink.

• Read more about Inspections & Monitoring

Public Water System Inspections

The Public Water System Inspection (PWSI) team acts as the "eyes and ears" of the Drinking Water Program, conducting on-site inspections and providing technical assistance, as needed, to public water systems. Public Water System Inspectors conduct inspections for several reasons and with varying regulatory impact.

• Read more about Water Operator Training & Professional Development

Training Contact Hours (TCHs)

License holders must earn continuing education credits for license renewal. The number of training contact hours (TCHs) required for license renewal depends on the classification of the license. Operator training is available in a variety of programs. Self-study programs are also available. Training topics must be relevant to the treatment or distribution licenses held.

• Read more about Public Water System Operator Requirements

All Community and Non-Transient/Non-Community (NTNC) Public Water Systems, and any Transient water systems using surface water supplies, are required to place the operation of the water system under the direct supervision of a licensed water operator, also known as a Designated Operator (DO).

• Read more about Instructions for Collecting Compliance Water Samples

Collecting Compliance Water Samples

All public water systems are required to regularly sample and test their water to ensure that it meets federal and state drinking water standards and is safe to drink. Without proper and timely sampling and testing, the quality of the water being served cannot be ensured.

Carbamates

CARBAM_531

Samples using all 3 empty vials are to be collected at the same point and following the steps below.

• Read more about Water Sampling & Testing

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All public water systems are required to regularly sample and test their water to ensure that it meets federal and state drinking water standards and is safe to drink. Without proper and timely sampling and testing, the quality of the water being served cannot be ensured.

• Read more about Drinking Water Partners

Information for Drinking Water Partners

The Maine CDC Drinking Water Program (DWP) administers and enforces drinking water regulations and provides educational, technical, and financial assistance.