PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 12, 2026
South Portland has been trying to understand and resolve the water quality problems at Willard Beach for more than a decade. Willard Beach was added to the Maine Department of Environment Protection’s list of impaired waters because of persistent bacterial contamination in 2024. This designation does not mean the beach is unsafe for the public, but it does indicate a persistent issue that needs to be addressed. What you can do:
• Have your sewer laterals inspected and repaired.
• Don’t let car wash water run into stormwater drains.
• Only apply fertilizer if necessary.
• Pick up pet waste.
• Don’t dump grass clippings.
• Prevent erosion; soil is the top water pollutant.