KENNEBEC JOURNAL • September 13, 2024
While long-term plans are underway to eliminate forever chemicals from Hallowell’s public drinking water, some residents say there are hurdles to obtaining clean water in the meantime. The public water system, the Hallowell Water District, plans to have a $10 million facility constructed by the end of 2027 that would drastically reduce levels of the forever chemicals, or PFAS, in the city’s drinking water to meet new federal regulations. But before the facility is built, the only PFAS-free source of public water for the Water District’s 912 customers — including restaurants and businesses downtown — is a spigot at the Water District building at 52 Winthrop St., where residents are allowed to fill up with 5 gallons per day.