CLEAN TECHNICA • January 10, 2021
Maine has long had a reputation for beautiful scenery, fresh air, and inviting waters, but mill pollution created badly polluted major rivers by the mid-20th century. Water quality regulation reflected a shift in understanding of rivers as systems and a growing recognition of the potential for technology to mitigate pollution. A water classification system that was initiated in 1964 took at least a full decade to produce significant improvements. Since then, an advocacy group called the Maine Lakes Society has continued the work begun on the state’s rivers by focusing on lakes and ponds. As the voice for protection of Maine’s freshwater resources and wildlife habitat, the non-profit organization delivers education property-by-property and shore-by-shore to create a conservation ethic across lake communities. Trained volunteers perform property assessments for participating homeowners.