After enduring nearly seven years of relying on bottled water due to high levels of PFAS contamination, residents of the Houlton Mobile Home Park are now celebrating the completion of a comprehensive water system upgrade.

In November 2024, the park successfully connected to the Houlton Water District, providing residents with safe, clean drinking water for the first time in years.

PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment, had been detected in the park's well water at levels significantly exceeding state safety standards.

Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to various health risks, including certain cancers and developmental delays in children.

The journey to this milestone was marked by numerous challenges.

Park owner Tony Brettkelly discovered the contamination shortly after purchasing the property approximately six years ago.

Since then, a collaborative effort involving the Houlton Water Company, the town of Houlton, and state agencies was initiated to address the issue.

Funding for the project was a significant hurdle.

Brettkelly contributed $141,000 in matching funds, which enabled the securing of a $1.2 million grant to overhaul the park's water distribution system.

Construction commenced in August 2024, with the goal of completing the project before the onset of winter.

During the construction phase, temporary water lines were installed to ensure residents had continuous access to water.

General Manager of the Houlton Water Company, Greg Sherman, emphasized the importance of maintaining water access throughout the upgrade process.

In addition to the water system improvements, attention was also given to the park's sewer infrastructure, which had been affected by PFAS contamination.

Community Development Director Nancy Ketch highlighted the town's efforts in securing grant funding to address these issues, noting that while progress has been made, some aspects of the sewer project are still awaiting further information to proceed.

Residents have expressed relief and optimism following the completion of the water system upgrade.

Long-time resident Phil Pierce shared his gratitude, stating that having access to clean water has significantly improved daily life in the park.

The successful completion of this project not only ensures the health and safety of the park's residents but also serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration and perseverance in overcoming environmental challenges.