Fort Fairfield Water Exceeds Standard Copper Level

FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine (WAGM) -Copper levels in Fort Fairfield’s drinking water are above the allowed standard.

The Fort Fairfield Utilities District mailed a notice to customers and posted the notice on the town website.

The notice states that testing done by the utilities district in late August found 1.75 milligrams of copper per liter in the town’s drinking water.

This exceeds the allowed standard of 1.3 milligrams per liter. District officials say while copper is an essential nutrient, drinking water above the standard for short periods may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Exposure over several years can lead to liver or kidney complications.

Officials say Fort Fairfield residents using town water that have Wilson’s disease, or other specific personal health concerns, should consult their doctor.

The Utilities District General Manager Noah Bernard says the high level of copper is not an emergency and says it isn’t necessary for residents to use alternative water sources, such as bottled water.

The Fort Fairfield Utilities District is currently working to correct the problem by reviewing its corrosion control treatment plan, increasing lead and copper testing, and continuing water quality parameter testing. Officials expect the problem to be solved by March of 2027.

Anyone with questions or looking for more information on the issue should contact the Fort Fairfield Utilities District at 472-0622.