New Sen. Ingwersen law to reform septic systems and strengthen water protections takes effect
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, Sept. 24, a new water protection law from Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, took effect. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services to amend design standards for disposal fields so that it addresses the risk of pollution via a phenomenon known as “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” better protects drinking water sources, lakes, rivers and coastal waters from contamination.
“I used to install septic systems for a living from 1982 to 1990, so I’m well familiar with the science behind the systems and how this new law represents a modest and reasonable approach to address an emerging issue,” said Sen. Ingwersen. “The law will protect the quality of our waters, whether it’s Bunganut Pond, Kennebunk Pond or the Saco River. Having access to clean water is one of the basic necessities of life for people and wildlife. With Maine being one of the most septic-reliant states in the country, these reforms and rules are balanced and critical.”
LD 1550 starts the process to amend Maine’s Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules, managed by 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 ensured 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, Coastal Resource Manager for the Town of Brunswick, at the public hearing for 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, including the Natural Resources Council of Maine, municipal officials and public health experts who have long called for more proactive approaches to managing septic waste.
To follow along with the reform and rulemaking process, go to the Department of Health and Human Services website: www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking. Look for proposed changes to Chapter 241, which includes the section that governs the requirements for disposal field design for subsurface wastewater disposal systems. There will be an opportunity to provide public comment.
Gov. Janet Mills signed LD 1550 on May 30, 2025. As non-emergency legislation, the law went into effect on September 24, 2025, 90 days after the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned.
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