Every August, Maine parents shift into back-to-school mode. New backpacks, supply lists, updated schedules — the checklist is long. But there is one item that rarely makes it onto that list, despite being one of the most important things a parent can do for their child's health: checking the quality of the water their family drinks every single day.
Give your kids a healthy start to the school year. Contact FONTUS at (207) 865-8165.
Why Kids Are More Vulnerable Than Adults
Children's bodies are not miniature versions of adult bodies — they are more susceptible to the health effects of waterborne contaminants. Pound for pound, children drink more water relative to their body weight, and their developing systems are less equipped to process certain toxins. Lead, for example, is a well-documented neurotoxin that affects brain development, learning, and behavior even at very low levels of exposure. The CDC maintains that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Other contaminants like arsenic, nitrates, and certain bacteria carry elevated risks for young children as well.
Older Maine Homes Carry Higher Risk
Many families across southern Maine live in homes built before 1986, when lead pipes and lead solder were still commonly used in residential plumbing. Even if your water source is clean, lead can leach into drinking water as it passes through aging pipes and fixtures inside your home. This is particularly common in older neighborhoods throughout Portland, Lewiston, Auburn, and Biddeford. If your home is more than 35 years old and you have never had your water tested for lead, back-to-school season is the perfect time to start.
Well Water Adds Another Layer of Concern
For Maine families on private wells, the risk profile is even broader. Arsenic — a known carcinogen present in well water across much of southern Maine — has no smell, taste, or color. Bacteria and coliform contamination can enter shallow wells during the heavy rain events that are increasingly common in Maine summers. Radon, which is released into household air through water use, has been linked to lung cancer with long-term exposure. None of these contaminants announce themselves. Without testing, there is simply no way to know.
Want to know exactly what your family is drinking? Contact FONTUS at (207) 865-8165
The solution does not have to be complicated. A comprehensive water test gives you a complete picture of what is in your water, and our team at Fontus Water Treatment will walk you through the results and recommend the most effective, affordable solution for your home. Whether that is a simple drinking water filter, a whole-house treatment system, or something in between, we will help you make the right call for your family.
This back-to-school season, add water testing to the list. It is one of the most impactful things you can do for your children's long-term health — and it starts with a single phone call or a few clicks online.