Governor signs Sen. Ingwersen bill to strengthen water protections with septic system reform
AUGUSTA — On May 30, 2025, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel that will direct the Department of Health and Human Services to amend design standards for disposal fields so that it addresses the risk of pollution via short circuiting. LD 1550, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services to Amend Its Rules to Protect Water Quality by Reducing Nutrient Pollution from Septic Systems” will better protect drinking water sources, lakes, rivers and coastal waters from contamination.
“As Mainers we can all appreciate the value that clean lakers, rivers and coastal waters provide for our economy, quality of life and overall well-being,” said Sen. Henry Ingwersen. “I’m grateful that Governor Mills understands the concerns of our communities, ensuring that future development doesn’t come at the expense of public health or water quality.”
LD 1550 seeks to amend Maine’s Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules, overseen DHHS, in order to reduce nutrient runoff from septic systems into bodies of water. LD 1550 directs the Department to amend design standards for disposal fields in a way that addresses the risk of pollution via short circuiting, with standards only applying to soil profiles that pose a high risk of short circuiting.
Maine is one of the most septic-reliant states in the country, with around half of all homes served by an individual system, rather than a public sewer.
“Importantly, LD 1550 also ensures that land suitable for septic systems under current standards won’t be rendered unusable—striking a necessary balance between environmental protection and property rights,” said Daniel Devereaux, Costal Resource Manager for the Town of Brunswick in testimony supporting the bill. “This is a smart, forward-thinking measure. As Coastal Resource Manager, I know how critical water quality is to Brunswick’s identity and economy. We are one of the state’s most significant shellfish-producing communities, home to over 1,600 acres of intertidal mudflats spread along 61 miles of coastline. Shellfishing is not only an economic pillar, supporting local families and contributing to town revenues, but it is a vital part of our cultural heritage and working waterfront. Poor water quality resulting from nutrient pollution threatens that legacy.”
LD 1550 received broad support from environmental advocates, municipal officials and public health experts who have long called for more proactive approaches to managing septic waste.
LD 1550 will go into effect 90 days after the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourns sine die.