Denmark Residents Vote to Expand Authority Over Poland Spring Water Extraction

In a small town in Maine, residents have taken a stand against large-scale water extraction by voting to expand the town’s authority over bottled water giant Poland Spring. The amendment, approved unanimously by just 19 Denmark residents, gives the town the power to regulate water extraction when aquifer levels reach certain thresholds and requires companies like Poland Spring to apply for new permits when ownership changes.

The move comes after Poland Spring’s parent company merged with another corporate water bottler, narrowly avoiding the new permit transfer process under the new rules. Laurie LaMountain, a citizen member of the committee that drafted the amendment, sees this as a crucial step in protecting the town’s water resources in the face of climate change.

However, some residents feel that the amendment could have been stronger, especially in light of the increasing frequency and severity of droughts. The town had not updated its water extraction ordinance in over a decade, prompting the need for these new regulations.

The changes to the ordinance acknowledge the impact of climate change on water reserves and set new guidelines for monitoring and regulating water extraction. While some provisions were diluted or removed during the drafting process, the final amendment represents a significant step towards protecting the town’s water resources.

Poland Spring has expressed support for the new regulations, emphasizing the importance of science-based oversight and environmental sustainability. The company has pledged to continue working with the town to ensure the responsible management of water resources.

Overall, the passage of this amendment highlights the importance of community involvement in safeguarding vital resources and adapting to the challenges of a changing climate.