Resources: Security and Emergency Preparedness
The Drinking Water Program can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Emergency Response Assistance.
In the event of a drinking water emergency during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm), Public Water Systems should reach out to their PWS Inspector or contact the Drinking Water Program’s main line:
Main Line: (207) 287-2070 – Monday thru Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Resources: MEWARN: Maine Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network
About MEWARN
MEWARN is a statewide Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) of utilities helping utilities to:
Public Water System Cybersecurity and Resilience
Cyber-attacks against public water systems (PWS) are increasing. In response, the Maine CDC Drinking Water Program (DWP) is working with cybersecurity subject matter experts to support Maine PWS in mitigating cybersecurity risks. As noted below, the DWP intends to launch their Cybersecurity Plan for PWS in 2024.
Drinking Water Professionals
The Maine CDC Drinking Water Program (DWP) administers and enforces drinking water regulations and provides educational, technical, and financial assistance.
Radon
The Radiation Control Program provides, free of charge, information packets containing information on different aspects of radon. We also register radon service providers (laboratories, contractors, and testing companies) that have a proven level of training.
Fluoride
Fluoride and Fluoridation
Fluoridation of drinking water is the addition or adjustment of fluoride to a drinking water supply for the purpose of preventing and controlling tooth decay.
Legionellosis
What is legionellosis?
Legionellosis is a disease caused by Legionella bacteria. Two different diseases make up legionellosis, Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaires' disease causes a serious type of pneumonia, a lung disease. Pontiac fever is a milder infection than Legionnaires' disease.
Disinfection Byproducts
Disinfection by-products (DBPs), also called trihalomethanes, are formed when chlorine and bromine interact with natural organic materials in water, such as in chlorinated drinking water. To protect drinking water from disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, water suppliers often add a disinfectant, such as chlorine, to drinking water. However, disinfection practices can be complicated because certain microbial pathogens are highly resistant to traditional disinfection practices.