Poland Spring

Some residents argue the decadeslong water extraction contracts are a threat to Maine's aquifers.

State utilities regulators have ordered Lincoln Water District to hold a public hearing on a proposed contract with Poland Spring.

The Lincoln Water District is looking to finalize a long-term contract with Poland Spring. But nearby residents say they have concerns about how it will affect the local water supply.

New legislation would require Maine's water bottling companies to monitor for PFAS chemicals and label any PFAS contaminants in each bottle.

A bill would add new restrictions on a type of deal that Poland Spring — the biggest water bottling operation in Maine, which pumps roughly 1 billion gallons a year — has struck to buy water directly from some local utilities.

In recent years, Maine’s water resources have come under heightened scrutiny amid climate change, the megadrought threatening the Colorado River, smaller seasonal droughts that have challenged Maine food growers and dried up some wells, and growing awareness of contamination from PFAS and other chemicals.

A commission has been studying Maine's water resources for the last few months and will soon send its recommendations to the Legislature. The group included state and tribal officials, private citizens and representatives from businesses including Poland Spring.

Poland Spring has withdrawn its application to extract more water from one of its wells in Hollis. The company had sought to double its withdrawal to 60 million gallons a year.

Amid a persistent drought in southern Maine, Poland Spring is proposing to double its withdrawals from a well in Hollis to 60 million gallons a year. The company says there’s plenty of water in the local aquifer, even during dry years.

Nestle announced yesterday it has sold Poland Spring, and its other bottled water brands to two private equity firms.