04/30/2026
Celebrating 50 Years of the
Maine CDC Drinking Water Program
This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Maine CDC Drinking Water Program (DWP), a milestone that highlights five decades of protecting public health and supporting Maine’s public water systems (PWS). Established in 1976 to administer the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the DWP has played a critical role in ensuring that drinking water across the state is clean and safe.
The Safe Drinking Water Act, passed in 1974, authorized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish national, health-based standards for contaminants in public drinking water. In the years that followed, state programs like Maine’s DWP became essential partners in implementing and enforcing these standards through regulatory oversight, technical guidance, and financial assistance.
As part of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, DWP’s work is rooted in a clear mission: protecting public health. The program administers and enforces drinking water and subsurface wastewater regulations, while also offering educational outreach and resources to strengthen public water system capacity across the state.
Today, the DWP oversees nearly 2,000 public water systems in Maine, ranging from small transient systems—such as campgrounds and restaurants—to schools, daycare centers, mobile home parks, and large municipal utilities. This wide reach reflects both the diversity of Maine’s water infrastructure and the importance of consistent, reliable oversight.
For many, safe drinking water is something that is taken for granted, but we at Maine DWP know that everyone working in the water sector is essential in protecting the health of our communities. As we recognize this 50-year milestone, we also recognize and thank the dedicated professionals who make this work possible. Your continued efforts ensure that Maine’s communities have access to safe, clean drinking water—today and for generations to come.
