State guide
Maine
Maine’s Drinking Water Program has a dedicated lead service line inventory page, and Maine’s utility regulators and drinking water staff have published unusually detailed guidance on paying for private-side replacements. ([www1.maine.gov](https://www1.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/health-and-safety/drinking-water-safety/statutes-and-rules/lead-copper-rule-revision-lead-service-line-inventory))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State lead service line page
- Official page →
Official resources in Maine
State drinking water program page with Maine’s inventory rules, notice templates, FAQs, and links to financial assistance. ([www1.maine.gov](https://www1.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/health-and-safety/drinking-water-safety/statutes-and-rules/lead-copper-rule-revision-lead-service-line-inventory))
MPUC’s official water-utility page linking residents and utilities to lead service line FAQs and related rate-rule material. ([maine.gov](https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/regulated-utilities/water?utm_source=openai))
Official joint newsletter stating DWP lead project loans can be 0% with principal forgiveness and require utilities receiving the loan to pay all private-side replacement costs. ([maine.gov](https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/sites/maine.gov.mpuc/files/inline-files/Straight%20From%20The%20Tap%20October%202024.pdf))
PWD’s lead information page with inventory certificates and related lead-exposure guidance for residents. ([pwd.org](https://www.pwd.org/protecting-public-health-minimizing-lead-exposure/?utm_source=openai))
Official board minutes describing replacement of five private-side lead services using State Revolving Fund assistance. ([pwd.org](https://www.pwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/final_workshop_minutes_7_8_24.pdf))
Key facts for Maine
- Maine required completed service line inventories by October 16, 2024. ([www1.maine.gov](https://www1.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/health-and-safety/drinking-water-safety/statutes-and-rules/lead-copper-rule-revision-lead-service-line-inventory))
- Maine’s inventory must characterize both private and public portions of each service line. ([www1.maine.gov](https://www1.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/health-and-safety/drinking-water-safety/statutes-and-rules/lead-copper-rule-revision-lead-service-line-inventory))
- Maine DWP says funding is available to help replace lead service lines. ([www1.maine.gov](https://www1.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/health-and-safety/drinking-water-safety/statutes-and-rules/lead-copper-rule-revision-lead-service-line-inventory))
- Maine’s DWP lead project loans were approved at 0% interest with 55% principal forgiveness for 2023 cap grant-funded projects. ([maine.gov](https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/sites/maine.gov.mpuc/files/inline-files/Straight%20From%20The%20Tap%20October%202024.pdf))
- If a Maine system found lead or GRR and received that loan, the utility must replace the private side with the utility paying all costs. ([maine.gov](https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/sites/maine.gov.mpuc/files/inline-files/Straight%20From%20The%20Tap%20October%202024.pdf))
- PWD’s board minutes say five private-side services identified by the inventory would be replaced using SRF funding. ([pwd.org](https://www.pwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/final_workshop_minutes_7_8_24.pdf))
Utility help for homeowners in Maine
| Utility | city | program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Water District | Portland | — | PWD’s board minutes say five private-side water services identified by the inventory would be replaced using State Revolving Fund assistance; the award included a 55% grant and a no-interest loan for the remainder. ([pwd.org](https://www.pwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/final_workshop_minutes_7_8_24.pdf)) |
What to do next
- Ask your water utility whether it applied for Maine DWP Lead Service Line Project Loan funding; if it did and your line qualifies, the utility may have to pay all private-side costs. ([maine.gov](https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/sites/maine.gov.mpuc/files/inline-files/Straight%20From%20The%20Tap%20October%202024.pdf))
- Use the Maine DWP page to see whether your system posted an inventory statement, direct notice, or online inventory results. ([www1.maine.gov](https://www1.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/health-and-safety/drinking-water-safety/statutes-and-rules/lead-copper-rule-revision-lead-service-line-inventory))
- If you are in Portland Water District territory, contact PWD and ask whether your address was among the private-side lines identified for replacement through the inventory work. ([pwd.org](https://www.pwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/final_workshop_minutes_7_8_24.pdf))
Helpful guides
- Who pays to replace the private side of a lead service line?
- Lead service line replacement grants, reimbursements and loans
- How to tell if your water service line is lead
- The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements: what homeowners need to know
Lead line cost-share estimator →