Understanding the Current State of Maine’s Watershed

Water is a valuable resource we cannot live without.  In fact, just over 70% of the human body is made up of water. This makes clean water crucial all over the United States, but particularly in places like Maine where woodlands, rivers, ponds, and oceans make up a great deal of the overall topography.  Unfortunately, Maine’s river system faces plenty of obstacles we’d like to highlight today.

Too Much Water Withdrawal
One of the biggest obstacles the Maine river system deals with today is water consumption or withdrawal.  Water consumption refers to any water not returned to its original source after being withdrawn.  This includes water we unknowingly waste each day as we take showers, brush teeth, cook, and wash dishes.  Furthermore, it includes water used in factories and other industries, as well as water lost through natural processes such as absorption by plants. Working with the EPA, some of Maine’s top scientists began researching the use of Maine’s watershed and how much can be safely removed.  Rules governing water consumption are still being drafted.

Pollution
Polluted water is a huge concern because it can sicken and kill humans and wildlife.  Polluted water also depreciates property values, aesthetics, and reduces the amount of water we can safely use.  Watershed programs like the BRCA Program for the Belgrade Lakes help control erosion, runoff, bacteria, and other pollutants.  These programs also curtail other non-point source (NPS) pollutants such as dust, dirt, pet waste, and garbage that can get into water through pipes and other channels.  The EPA works with Maine businesses to construct Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) profiles for all “impaired waters.”  This helps business owners pinpoint and clean up problem areas.

Aquatic Life Damage
Finally, Maine’s watersheds often face complications from aquatic life damage.   As noted above, regular influxes of dead fish and plants, algae, and aquatic bacteria can result in diseased water and ill residents.   Anti-pollution measures can alleviate this problem, but homeowners who live near woodlands or major water sources should regularly test water quality and consider digging their own ponds.