Environment Publications

The Hydrologic Cycle: How Water Movement Affects Water Quality, Bulletin #7104 
To understand how contamination of groundwater and surface water occurs, it is necessary to understand the hydrologic cycle - the endless circulation of water from the ocean, atmosphere and land. Then you can understand how contaminants move with it.

Lead in the Environment, from the The Safe H(2)OME Program Fact Sheet Series
This fact sheet provides information on how to cut down the risks of lead exposure in the home. Included is information on lead exposure on the job; lead-based paints; dusts; lead in drinking water supplies; and other sources of environmental lead. (Note: The entire Safe H(2)OME Program fact sheet series, including Lead in the Environment, is available in PDF format for free download at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's The Safe Homes Program Web site.)

Safe Drinking Water for Maine: Lead in Your Drinking Water, Bulletin #7088
The water you drink may be contaminated with lead. Even if your water is treated by the water district or a public water utility, it may still contain high levels of lead. Drinking water can be the primary source of lead entering the body. Lead has been demonstrated to have toxic effects on humans, particularly infants and pregnant women, even at very low concentrations. Excessive exposure to lead can cause irreversible damage to a child's physical and mental development. Education is needed to prevent damage to both children and adults.

Bacteria in Water Supplies: Part 1: Problem Bacteria and How to Test for Them, Bulletin #7114
In this fact sheet, we explain how bacteria can get into your water supply and how to test your water for bacterial contamination (part 1). In part 2 of this series, we explain how to safely disinfect a well.

Bacteria in Water Supplies: Part 2: How to Disinfect your Well, Bulletin #7115
This publication discusses how to safely disinfect a well. Included is information on disinfection methods; steps to shock chlorinate a well; trihalomethanes; and other disinfection methods.

Iron and Drinking Water, Bulletin #7118
This publication discuss where iron comes from; the testing and treatment for iron problems; treatment for low and high iron levels; removal of ferric iron, and treatment for iron bacteria. 

Drinking Water Contamination: Understanding the Risks, Bulletin #7023
This publication examines the risks posed by small concentrations of toxic chemicals sometimes found in drinking water.

Nitrate: Health Effects of Drinking Water, Bulletin #7107
Nitrate a common groundwater contaminant. It is regulated in drinking water primarily because excess levels can cause methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby" disease. Learn how to determine if your water is contaminated with nitrate and what your options are. Includes information on feeding infants safely.