West Paris Residents Face Weeks Without Safe Drinking Water
WEST PARIS (WGME) – West Paris residents haven’t had safe drinking water for weeks, and it’s unclear when the water will be safe to drink again.
Boil Water Order Issued
The state’s website says a boil water order was issued for the West Paris Water District on April 17.
A spokesperson for Maine’s Department of Health and Human resources says the order was issued due to “inadequate protection of finished water in the reservoir from natural elements.” A site visit by the Maine CDC’s Drinking Water Program revealed that the cover on the reservoir had holes that could allow for water contamination. The site visit also revealed that the chemical pump responsible for pH adjustment was not functioning.
“The cover of the reservoir has tears and holes in it,” West Paris Town Manager Joy Downing said. “From my understanding, it’s been like that for a very long time. But Maine Rural Water and the Maine Drinking Water Program were made aware of it and they came out, and as a precaution, they said we need to do a boil water order effective immediately.”
Lack of Communication
The boil notice was posted at the West Paris town hall two weeks ago, but many residents claim they were not informed.
“They didn’t go to anyone’s door, send out any letters or anything at all,” West Paris Resident Miranda Rego said. “They’re just expecting people to look on the website.”
The West Paris Water District sent out an email Wednesday evening with the official notice, two weeks after the order had been issued.
Impact on Residents
The order instructs residents to boil any water before consumption, including drinking water, water used for brushing teeth, making ice cubes, and washing food. The full list of guidance from the state can be found here.
“Imagine having to boil your water every time you have to wash your dishes,” West Paris Resident Omar Pollock said. “It prolongs the whole process.”
The lack of information from the West Paris Water District has left residents frustrated and uncertain about the problem and its resolution.
Until they receive answers, some residents have decided not to pay their water bills.
“I’m hoping more people will do it and that will hopefully catch their eye,” West Paris resident Ben Millet said. “They are not going to shut everybody’s water off if we stop paying for it when they’ve got all these issues. So, I hope more people will send them a message that they need to give us just some word.”
Working Towards a Solution
It’s unclear when the issues with the reservoir will be fixed, although Maine Drinking Water Program says they are in contact with the West Paris Water District to work towards a solution.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, in order to lift the boil water order, the West Paris Water District will have to install a chlorine feed to disinfect the water, fix the pump for pH adjustment, and have a third party inspect the reservoir. A spokesperson for the department says it’s estimated that the boil water order will remain in place for several more weeks.
CBS13 reached out to the West Paris Water District, but did not receive an answer to any questions.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all | – Presence of a boil water order – Inadequate protection of finished water in the reservoir – Holes in the reservoir cover – Non-functioning chemical pump for pH adjustment |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally | – Water contamination due to holes in the reservoir cover |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity | – Inadequate protection of finished water in the reservoir from natural elements |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate | – Lack of communication and coordination between the West Paris Water District and the town |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes | – None mentioned in the article |
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