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Preparing for Emergencies

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Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) protects the lives of people in Maine from natural or man-made public health threats or emergencies. PHEP strengthens the ability of health agencies and partner organizations by facilitating key tasks needed in times of a public health emergency.

Fish and Seafood

Fish are an important part of a healthy diet. However, some freshwater fish have PFAS, mercury, PCBs, and dioxins in them. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is responsible for recommending safe eating guidelines for fish based on the presence of chemicals (MSRA 22 §1696 I). Follow the guidelines below.

Private Well Water

Maine CDC provides free help to private well owners who have questions about their wells, water sampling, and water treatment. A "private well" is any well that is not regulated by the Maine CDC's Drinking Water Program as a Public Water System. Private wells are not regulated; property owners are responsible for testing and treating the water from private wells.

Waterborne Illnesses

Waterborne illnesses are spread by germs that contaminate water in water sources. These germs include Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Giardia, norovirus, and Shigella.

The primary way waterborne illnesses spread is by swallowing germs. Swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, spas, lakes, rivers, ponds, oceans, and other water sources can be infected with germs.

Drinking Water Safety

The Maine CDC Drinking Water Program works to ensure safe drinking water in Maine, to protect public health, by administering and enforcing drinking water and subsurface wastewater regulations, providing education and technical and financial assistance.

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