MAINE PUBLIC • July 13, 2022
State testing of public drinking water systems for PFAS, or "forever chemicals" has found at least six schools have levels higher than the state standard of 20 parts per billion. Brooklin Elementary School and Deer Isle Stonington High School both had PFAS levels above 100 parts per trillion from tests performed in April. School Union 76 Superintendent Dan Ross said he's meeting with his school board Wednesday night to discuss the installation of a filtration system for each school affected. Other Maine schools pursuing treatment for elevated PFAS levels in drinking water are Mt. Desert Island High School, Chebeague Island School, Unity College, and Washington County Community College. The state's Small Public Water System Emerging Contaminant Grant program can help school districts cover eligible project costs of up to $60,000.