Is it legal to add water to a drinking-water well in Maine without authorization? | Fact brief

Maine law prohibits adding water to a drinking-water well, even one on your property. The ban took effect in 2002 as part of broader environmental legislation.

Exceptions allow licensed well drillers and authorized water transporters to add water that meets applicable standards. State-authorized injections into certain wells known as “Class V,” including aquifer recharge wells, are also permitted. The prohibition also excludes monitoring wells and wells used for temporary dewatering or extracting oil, gas or brine.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency warns that pouring water into a dry well can introduce bacteria, viruses or other contaminants. And the water will likely seep into the surrounding aquifer, offering little relief.

The agency recommends contacting a well driller about options, including lowering the pump or replacing the well.

As of Oct. 15, Maine had received 156 reports of dry wells this year amid a drought expected to persist into 2027.