Daily Kennebec journal., 1917-08-27
POLLUTION OF OUR
WATER SUPPLIES

I AS everyone knows the public and sew
erage systems are the foremost agencies
for the spreading of contagious diseases
particularly typhoid fever. The 1917
Legislature passed an act with reference
to this matter, the provisions of which
are distinctly new to this State Its title
/ is AN act to prevent the sources of do
mestic water supply from becoming pol
luted' and its administration is placed in
the hands of the Public Utilities Commits
sion.
Inquiry and the commissions office elic-
tied the information that a member of its
force had been assigned to take charge of
TINS work. Several cases have already
been brought to the attention of the
commission, and their solution is now be-
ing worked out. The official In charge
stated that the commission did not pro-
pose to wait until complaints had been
received before any action was taken, but
system of inspection will be established,
and this, with the reports available at
the office Of the State Laboratory of Hy-
giene, is expected to result in the clean.
ing UP of many public water supplies
which at the present time are not all that
could be desired from a sanitary point
of view
The law itself is very broad and pro-
vides that the commission shall consult
with and advise the authorities of cities
, towns. persons or corporations having
or about to have systems Of water sup
ply drainage sewage as to the most
appropriate source of supply. or as to the
best method Of disposing Of their drain
age or sewage. 1t shall also consult with
and advise persons or corporations en-
gagged or intending to engage in any
manufacturing or other business whose
drainage or sewage may tend to pollute
any inland water, as to the best method
of preventing such pollution. No person
is required to bear the expense of any
such consultation.
! 1t also provides that cities, towns. per-
sons or corporations intending to put in a
system of water works or a sewer system
shall first submit the plan to the commits
sion, and in case legislative authority is
sought, all petitions to the legislature
| shall be accompanied by copy Of the
recommendation and advice of the COM
mission.
Section Of the act seems to be the one
! under which the commission feels will
come the greater part of their work This
provides that upon petition by the munic-
ipal officers Of a city or town, the officer
of any institution, or the officials of any
water or Ice company. stating that ma.
nure, excrement, garbage, sewage
or other matter pollutes the waters or
and stream, pond. spring or water course
used as source Of public water supply,
the commission may after giving all par
ties a chance to be heard, by an order
served upon the party causing or permit
ting such pollution. prohibit the deposit.
keeping or discharge, and shall order him
to remove the cause
The penalty for the violation Of any
rule, regulation or order which the COM
mission may make, is fine Of not more
than $500 to the use Of the State or by
imprisonment for not more than one
year or by both fine and imprisonment.
! 1t was learned that the commission has
the cooperation Of the State Board Of
Health through the State Laboratory Of
Hygiene, and the commission feels that
the work which has been and will be done