Dear Editor: 

On Tuesday, May 27 at 7 p.m., the Boothbay Region Water District will hold a critical public meeting to present a proposed $1.43 million state loan—residents should attend. 

While the immediate focus is on expanding the year-round water service through this loan, the long-term solution requires a costly Route 1 pipeline connecting to the Brunswick-Topsham treatment facility for water. Estimated at $28 million, this project will take years to plan and complete.  State Law enacted in 2024, LD 2104, would amend the Wiscasset Water District charter, supporting this regional effort—but much remains uncertain. 

In the meantime, Boothbay region water sources—Adams Pond and Knickerbocker Lake—are under increasing strain. A 2005 report estimated their combined safe yield at 2.5 million gallons per day. With ongoing growth, those numbers are likely outdated, and protecting the safe yield of our ponds must be the top priority. 

We cannot wait for a distant pipeline while our local resources are being stressed. Aolder 2018 study commissioned for the BRWD warned that full watershed development could degrade water quality, increase algae blooms, and raise treatment costs. PFAS contamination has now been detected in both ponds, and in 2021 the former BRWD manager projected the need for a new source by 2040.  These are some of the stresses on the only source of fresh water for the area. 

As part of the solution, other local options—like groundwater wells—must be reconsidered. For one, East Boothbay once had wells taken offline due to iron and fouling issues, but with updated treatment technology, they may now offer a viable supplement and reduce reliance on the ponds.  Other on peninsula sources could be investigated. 

As the region grows, we must better understand, manage and protect the resources we already have. That means careful planning, smart land-use policies, and urgent action to secure enough safe, sustainable water for the future.   

Andy Cozzi 

Boothbay 

References for facts:

• Wright-Pierce. (2005). Safe Yield Estimates for Adams Pond and Knickerbocker Lakes Watersheds. 

• Boothbay Region Water District. (2021). Safeguarding Boothbay Peninsula’s Drinking Water.  

• Boothbay Region Clean Drinking Water Initiative. (n.d.). Fast Facts.  

• Boothbay Register. (2018). Adams Pond and Knickerbocker Lake reports available.  

• Boothbay Region Water District. (n.d.). Regional Pipeline Part of BRWD Long Range Water Plan. Boothbay Region Water District