*UPDATE : CDC says order can now be lifted * Lisbon DO NOT DRINK WATER- contaminated with arsenic

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Last edited Fri Aug 30, 2024, 04:29 PM - Edit history (5)

UPDATE - https://www.lisbonme.org/
Last Updated: August 30, 2024 - 4:20pm

AUGUSTA— The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced today that it has advised the Lisbon Water Department that its Do Not Drink order issued Thursday can now be lifted, after the Maine CDC’s Drinking Water Program received expedited water sample test results that show the public drinking water is safe to consume.

The Maine CDC’s Drinking Water Program worked with the Lisbon Water Department to take samples of drinking water yesterday afternoon – Thursday, August 29, 2024 – to test for potential arsenic contamination following the release of sludge from the Lisbon Water Department into the town’s public drinking water system.

The State’s Drinking Water Program received those test results this afternoon – Friday, August 30, 2024 – which show the presence of arsenic at 1-3 parts per billion, well below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s requirement of no more than 10 parts per billion for public drinking water systems.

The Maine CDC’s Drinking Water Program has shared these results with the Lisbon Water Department and has advised that it may now lift the Do Not Drink Order. The Lisbon Water Department is responsible for instituting and lifting the order.

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**Urgent Water Safety Alert: Arsenic Contamination Warning - Do Not Drink or Use Water for Food Preparation**
Last Updated: August 29, 2024 - 8:25pm

https://www.lisbonme.org/home/urgent-alerts/urgent-water-safety-alert-arsenic-contamination-warning-do-not-drink-or-use-water



The Lisbon Water Department is working with Maine CDC to protect the health of people and animals who might have been exposed to potentially high levels of arsenic after Wednesday morning’s accidental release, and to determine when it is safe to consume the water

- Do not use your water to drink or prepare food or ice cubes for yourself, other people, or pets, until you receive more information from a reliable source. Boiling water will not make it safe for consumption.

- You can continue to use water to bathe, wash dishes, or water your yard. However, if your water is discolored, run the faucet until the water looks clear.

- Arsenic can get into your body through water or food or an open wound, and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach bleeding, brain swelling, fast or irregular heart rhythm, low blood pressure, unconsciousness, or death.

- If you are concerned about health effects from arsenic, call your local poison control center at 800-222-1222 and tell them you are concerned about exposure to arsenic.

- Call your doctor or the emergency department if you develop any unusual signs or symptoms within 24 hours after consuming water possibly contaminated with arsenic, especially: abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, severe weakness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, or increased pain or discharge from injured eyes.



The Lisbon Emergency Response Team is activated and working to acquire resources. To avoid confusion and misinterpretation, please await further information from official Town of Lisbon Communications or the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC