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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Water Sampling & Testing
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.
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.
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