GROUND-WATER ISSUES

Ground water is a vital natural resource in Maine. Although less than 10 percent of the total freshwater withdrawals are from ground-water sources, 57 percent of the population relies on ground water for drinking-water supplies. The rural population depends almost entirely on ground water. The greatest amount of ground-water pumping occurs in southwestern and coastal Maine, with other ground-water withdrawals located near the large towns in central and northern Maine. The quality of ground water is suitable for most uses; however, local contamination of aquifers has occurred. The major issues related to ground water in Maine are: Availability, Contamination from landfills, hazardous-waste sites, agriculture, and urbanization, and Water-quality management