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LD 1326

An Act To Protect The Drinking Water For Consumers Of Certain Water Systems By Establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels For Certain Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

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

Maine establishes PFAS drinking-water MCLs for certain systems; DHHS will implement standards to protect consumers and require utilities to monitor and treat water.

Became Law without Governor's Signature
#pfas #publicsafety #safedrinkingwater
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Bill Summary · LD 1326

Summary — LD 1326 (132nd Maine Legislature)

Title: An Act To Protect The Drinking Water for Consumers of Certain Water Systems by Establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels for Certain Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Status: Became law without the Governor’s signature (June 25, 2025)
Introduced: March 27, 2025
Committee: Health and Human Services
Final procedural action: Passed by the Legislature (June 11–12, 2025); enacted as amended by Committee Amendment “A” (H‑628)

Purpose and intent

The bill directs the State to establish maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Its stated aim is to protect consumers served by certain water systems from health risks associated with PFAS contamination.

PFAS are a class of manufactured chemicals used in many industrial and consumer products; they are persistent in the environment and have been linked to adverse health effects.

Key provisions (high-level)

  • Requires the establishment of maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for specified PFAS compounds in drinking water supplied to certain water systems.
  • Directs relevant state authorities (administration and enforcement presumed to fall under the Department of Health and Human Services or the state drinking water program) to implement standards and related program activities.
  • The enacted version incorporated Committee Amendment “A” (H‑628). (The summary materials provided do not include the amendment text or the precise numeric MCL values, list of PFAS compounds covered, compliance schedules, monitoring frequency, or enforcement mechanisms.)

Who is affected

  • Consumers served by the “certain water systems” referenced in the bill — likely public or regulated community water systems in Maine (the bill text would specify the exact classes of systems).
  • State agencies responsible for drinking water regulation and public health (documented fiscal notes identify the Department of Health and Human Services).
  • Water suppliers/utilities that will be required to measure, report and, if necessary, treat water to meet the new PFAS MCLs.
  • Potential indirect impacts on municipalities, private water providers, and ratepayers if treatment upgrades are required (no specific cost estimates for systems are provided in the fiscal materials).

Fiscal impact and implementation notes

  • Two fiscal notes (as introduced and as engrossed with Committee Amendment “A”) indicate a minor General Fund cost increase to the Department of Health and Human Services.
  • The fiscal notes state these costs are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.
  • The provided documents do not include estimates of costs to water systems for monitoring, treatment, or upgrades, nor do they include statutory text detailing compliance deadlines or enforcement penalties.

Legislative timeline

  • Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services: March 27, 2025
  • Work session / Committee action: May 8, 2025 (Committee voted OTP‑AM; reported out)
  • Floor actions and adoption of Committee Amendment “A” (H‑628): June 10–11, 2025
  • Passed by the Legislature / Enacted: June 11–12, 2025
  • Became law without Governor’s signature: June 25, 2025

Note: This summary is based on available bill metadata, legislative actions, and fiscal notes. The specific MCL values, list of PFAS covered, monitoring/implementation requirements, and compliance timelines are not included in the documents provided here; consult the enacted statutory text or the Department of Health and Human Services for full regulatory details and operational guidance.

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

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