By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — Water is a precious commodity.

That is being seen across the nation, and recently in some people’s backyards. 

The town has received several complaints about a business that was using a tanker truck to take water from Pleasant Lake, according to Casco Town Manager Tony Ward. 

In response to this, Ward has researched ordinances governing water extraction and storage in the state of Maine. He found an ordinance for Cumberland, which he presented to the selectmen.   

A company associated with swim pools “was taking water out of Pleasant Lake. And, in Maine that is legal,” Ward said.

Referring to the Cumberland ordinance, Ward said, “I don’t think it meets our needs. It is at least a starting point to address the removal of public waters.” 

At a recent meeting, the Casco Board of Selectmen discussed whether or not they wanted to consider an ordinance dealing with water extraction.

Selectman Robert “Rob” MacDonald indicated that an ordinance might be needed.

“It is necessary for erosion control. These people pumped out water five times,” he said.

Holly Hancock confirmed that.

“They were there five times. I think they are filling wells,” she said, adding that sections of Pleasant Lake were so low it wasn’t going down the streams  

MacDonald addressed the public safety issue.

“A lot of these lakes are used as hydrants. We want to be able to use the lake as a hydrant to put out fires if we need to. We need to be cautious of our own resources, and protect them for the sake of the town,” he said. 

Selectman Scott Avery spoke. 

“Is he filling pools or is he filling wells? There is a difference here. Filling a pool is for recreation. Filling a well is for life. Their well is low and they need water. God forbid! If any of our elderly have a well run dry, it effects their day-to-day living. Not just our elderly but anybody, a family with children, shouldn’t have their well run dry,” Avery said.

The board members agreed that they did not want the lakes in their town to become dry. Board members brought up the dry weather conditions in Washington, Oregon and California. 

Chair Mary-Vienessa Fernandes talked about water conservation. 

“I said to myself, I can dig a hole in my back yard and put in a pond courtesyof Maine lakes. And, as long as put native fish in the pond it is legal,” she said.

But, she would prefer to leave the water levels alone. She said the activity of water extraction should be done as a necessity not a luxury.

Going forward, the board plans to continue to discuss the possibility of an ordinance for water removal and water storage.