How Climate Change is Amplifying 50 Years of Drinking Water Challenges for Maine’s Native Reservations

This article explores the ongoing water crisis faced by the Passamaquoddy Tribe in Maine, highlighting their struggle with climate change and the quest for clean water.

Sipayik, Maine—The salty air is a constant reminder of life by the ocean for Brian Altvater, a 69-year-old spiritual leader of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. He loves the views of Passamaquoddy and Cobscook bays. But when he turns on his faucet at home, the water has a foul smell—not at all refreshing. His household, like many others on the reservation, relies on bottled water due to years of contaminated tap water.

“We haven’t trusted our tap water for decades,” Altvater says, a sentiment echoed by many of the tribe’s roughly 600 members living in Sipayik. Chris Soctomah, 34, adds, “No one drinks the water.” The tribe has issued over 50 warnings about water quality since 2000, marking it as unsafe for residents.

Discolored and foul-smelling water is not just a nuisance; it has led to health concerns. The issue usually stems from trihalomethanes (THMs), which are harmful byproducts formed when organic material interacts with chlorine in the water. Prolonged exposure to THMs has been linked to serious health risks, including certain cancers.

Data from a recent community survey showed that residents felt the water quality was affecting their health, particularly compared to wealthier populations. Jasmine Lamb, co-director of the Sipayik Resilience Committee, highlighted these disparities, noting, “Our health outcomes differ significantly from those in more affluent areas.”

Sipayik draws its water from Boyden Lake, a shallow reservoir. This makes it particularly vulnerable to pollution from heavy rainfall, which washes contaminants into the lake. Conversely, droughts can concentrate sediments in the water. Sean Birkel, the state climatologist, reports that climate change is causing intense weather patterns in Maine, making these problems worse. For example, after heavy rains from Tropical Storm Henri, THM levels skyrocketed to 160 parts per billion—well above the EPA’s limit.

In recent years, some improvements have been made in the water treatment process. The Sipayik Water District has introduced granulated activated carbon filters, which help reduce the formation of THMs. The tribe also opened a new well, named Samaqannihkuk, which taps into a deeper aquifer and has shown promise in providing cleaner water.

Longfellow, an environmental officer, notes that while these changes are positive, they aren’t complete solutions. Residents still express distrust, and many continue to avoid using tap water for cooking and bathing. Skin irritations have been reported after using tap water, exacerbating worries about its safety.

The history of the Passamaquoddy’s fight for clean water spans decades. They connected to a municipal system in the 1970s, but issues quickly arose regarding its safety and quality. The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 led to the first discovery of elevated THMs in their tap water.

Efforts for improved water safety have often been hampered by state restrictions on tribal sovereignty. An act passed in 2022 allowed the tribe to upgrade its water systems and manage their own resources better. However, many legislative proposals aimed at expanding tribal sovereignty have been blocked by the state government, limiting the tribe’s control over their natural resources.

With ongoing challenges like maintenance costs and seasonal variations in water quality, resolving the water crisis is an uphill battle. Longfellow emphasizes that true trust in the water supply will take time, noting, “It’s going to require years of consistent quality to rebuild that faith.”

Efforts continue to improve the drinking water situation, but the need for reliable and safe water remains urgent for the Passamaquoddy Tribe. As they navigate the complexities of climate change and governance, support and understanding from outside communities could play a key role in their fight for clean water.

For further insights on water safety and environmental justice, refer to the Global Atlas of Environmental Justice.

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