Three of five wells at the Mountain View Correctional Facility in Charleston have tested above the state standard for the chemicals known as PFAS.
The state standard is 20 parts per trillion for PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals” that have been commonly used in consumer products such as nonstick cookware, stain resistant fabrics and carpets and firefighting foams.
The Maine Department of Corrections said Wednesday that it will no longer use the contaminated well water for consumption at the correctional facility, which houses 304 male inmates.
The state will work to mitigate the contamination, and in the meantime, will provide alternative water sources to staff and inmates for drinking and cooking.
PFAS has been found in sludge spread on some farms in Maine and in several water sources.
Exposure to high levels of PFAS can lead to increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney and testicular and may lead to developmental delays in children, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.