Water quality and water management encompass a range of issues and needs affecting towns, residents, and landowners. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversees most of these community needs. The DEP manages water quality programs under the Clean Water Act and state law and collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies to plan and implement strategies to protect Maine’s water quality.
As with drinking water, most domestic waste is managed with private septic systems at the town and homeowner levels in Hancock County. Individual homeowners work with a Site Evaluator and their town’s Licensed Plumbing Inspector to ensure that their septic system is designed and installed according to State code. Homeowners share responsibility with towns to prevent domestic waste from entering and polluting their watershed’s ponds and rivers.
Wastewater
Septic System Information
Finding a Site Evaluator
Stormwater
Low Impact Development
- HCPC Memo: Water Quality Technical Assistance Resources (2012)
- LID (Low Impact Development) Guidance Manual for Maine Communities (2007)
- LID Provisions for Shoreland Zoning Ordinances (KVCOG)
- U.S. EPA LID Terminology
- U.S. EPA Nonpoint Source: Urban Areas
- Low Impact Development Center
- NOAA Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities