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LD 500

An Act To Ensure Access To Safe Drinking Water From Household Wells In Rural Areas By Expanding Testing

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Ankeles and 8 co-sponsors

LD 500 - An Act To Ensure Access To Safe Drinking Water From Household Wells In Rural Areas By Expanding Testing OverviewBill Number: LD 500 Title: An Act To Ensure Access To Safe

Died in Possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES. (DEAD)
#publicsafety #safedrinkingwater #testing
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Bill Summary · LD 500

LD 500 - An Act To Ensure Access To Safe Drinking Water From Household Wells In Rural Areas By Expanding Testing

Overview

Bill Number: LD 500
Title: An Act To Ensure Access To Safe Drinking Water From Household Wells In Rural Areas By Expanding Testing
Status: CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
Introduced: February 06, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to address concerns about the safety and quality of drinking water from private household wells in rural areas of the state. Many rural residents rely on private wells as their primary water source, but these wells are not subject to the same testing and monitoring requirements as public water systems. This has led to issues with contaminants, such as arsenic and nitrates, going undetected and potentially exposing residents to health risks. The intent of the legislation is to expand water quality testing for private wells to ensure all Mainers have access to safe, clean drinking water regardless of their water source.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all private well owners to have their water tested for a comprehensive set of contaminants, including arsenic, nitrates, and bacteria, at least once every 5 years
  • Establishes a state-run well water testing program to provide subsidized or free testing services for low-income households
  • Mandates that real estate transactions involving properties with private wells include the disclosure of recent water test results
  • Directs the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to develop educational materials and outreach programs to inform well owners about testing and treatment options

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Owners of private household wells in rural areas of Maine, who will be required to regularly test their water and disclose results
  • Low-income well owners, who will have access to subsidized or free testing through the state program
  • Real estate agents and homebuyers, who will need to incorporate well water test results into transactions
  • The Maine CDC, which will be responsible for administering the testing program and public education efforts

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill was introduced in the 131st Maine Legislature and carried over to the 132nd Legislature, where it remains in the same posture. If passed, the new well water testing requirements would likely take effect 6-12 months after the bill's enactment to allow time for the state to establish the necessary programs and infrastructure. The bill has bipartisan support, but its ultimate passage will depend on continued legislative negotiations and budgetary considerations during the next legislative session.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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