Balanced News: Firefighting foam contaminates public water system in Maine

Firefighting foam used to battle a fatal fire in an apartment building has contaminated the public water system in Maine, prompting a do-not-drink order for about 9,000 Kennebec Water District customers. The foam is presumed to contain PFAS chemicals, which are widespread and expensive to remove from drinking water. Testing is being conducted to determine whether the water is safe to drink. The cause of the contamination is unknown, but newer buildings have a valve to prevent water or foam from flowing back into the public water system. Water samples are being analyzed and an update is expected later.