How Sebago Lake is so naturally clean: full interview with Paul Hunt of Portland Water District

Sebago Lake is one of about 50 public water supplies so pure that it does not need to be filtered before treatment. Portland Water District's Paul Hunt explains how.

[@HeritageWealthPlanning]

Is this why Maine water always tastes so good straight from the tap?

[@heeheeteevee33]

It tastes like shit in New Gloucester

[@curiousbystander9193]

wait til all the biosolids fertilizers used for lawns and landscaping leach their goods.... bans should extend way beyond just ag....

[@willeel3750]

I love living in Maine and have a well that supplies my water. I also love to fish but there are warnings from the department of wildlife and inland fisheries about toxic chemicals and mercury in the fish and they advise us to only eat these fish once a month. So I'm confused about claims of how wonderfully clean the water in Maine is. Can anyone clear this up? Drinking water 365 days a year that is chemically fouled enough to make eating fish dangerous seems to indicate an unhealthy situation.

[@dbruss]

I commend Paul Hunt for staying on the job because of his values. However, I've stayed on the lake for at least a week for the past 65+ summers. The water quality has deteriorated a lot. We used to be able to walk on underwater rocks, which now are very slimy. There's a lot more "yucky" stuff to be seen underwater when wearing goggles or a face mask. Also, our beach has shrunk due to the high water washing away at least 2 vertical feet (estimate) of sand. All the development on Frye Island and around the lake has turned from forest and native species to lawns and driveways. Out of concern for the lake, our family just added 2 new septic systems. It seems that the state could be more proactive.

[@willeel3750]

Exactly. Maine waters aren't as clean or unpolluted as some people say. It bothers me because I'm a fisherman and love the natural beauty of Maine. I've seen the green slime in many ponds I fish and it is getting worse.

[@peterd5843]

I want an interview with his brother too lol

[@tomp8871]

and Poland springs pays nothing.

[@curiousbystander9193]

maine has their own precious oil, so to speak, being snatched from right under their own feet