For many months I have been reading and watching the debate on the extraction of water for profit. This debate has been going on in many towns, and now this is an issue in Wells, as the selectmen here have been given the task of writing a ordinance to regulate extraction in our town. I am a resident of Wells, and an employee of Poland Spring. I feel it is now my time to speak out on this issue.

Let me start by explaining my view of Poland Spring. Here we have a successful company that is providing an opportunity for the citizens of this state and the town of Wells to work in a relatively clean and safe environment. We are earning good wages that filter down through the economy. We pay state and local taxes to pay for our schools and other services. We shop in local stores, eat in restaurants, pay for tips. Our health insurance pays our doctors, and dentist, who in turn pay their help. Then these monies get spent over and over again. This generates even more income for our state and towns. Poland Spring provides the kind of opportunities that we need in this state. Time and again I read of our government leaders saying we need to do what we can to attract good paying jobs to this state, and to help keep the ones we have here.

I see constant changes at Poland Spring in Hollis, working towards the reduction of waste, and lessening a negative environmental impact. This just makes good business sense. If done correctly these changes lessen the cost of doing business. Something else that make good business sense is the sustainability of the resource that one is using to make a product. It just makes good sense that this resource, in this case water, is drawn in a manner that ensures it is available for use long into the future. This is done by following the evaluation and monitoring by groundwater experts. Recently Hollis selectmen were quoted as saying their aquifer is in better shape now then when Poland Spring began water extraction.

Now I am not suggesting that the keys to the town supply should be just handed over. Control and oversight should be maintained by the town. What I am asking is that this ordinance be written with clear heads based on facts, not emotion and misinformation which I see all too often. Also we should not make things prohibitive for a company to do business, but to work together for our mutual benefit.

Maine has a long history of using its resources – farming, fishing, lumber – and if done in a well thought out manner these resources will continue to be available. This can continue with water as well. To the people of Wells, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, please keep an open mind when considering ordinances on water extraction.

Ed Swift

Wells