Maine Water Company and A&L Laboratory of Auburn have expanded of a long-standing laboratory relationship between the two companies to deliver new efficiencies for Midcoast residents, according to a news release from Maine Water. A daily courier service will shuttle drinking water samples from the Mirror Lake laboratory in Rockport to the A&L laboratory in Auburn and all water testing will be done by A&L. Customers should see lower testing costs as a result. 

For many years, the Maine Water Company laboratory at Mirror Lake has provided water testing services for area residents. Requests for more comprehensive water testing from private well owners, well drillers, water treatment specialists and real estate professionals have increased in recent years.  Maine Water has been subcontracting many of the specific tests, like radon and arsenic, to A&L since the lab at Mirror Lake is not certified by the State to conduct these tests for the public. Customers received one report, but the testing was actually done in two separate labs.

“Expanding our relationship with A&L makes sense for customers” stated Rick Knowlton, President of Maine Water, in the release. “Mirror Lake will continue to be a convenient local place to pick up water sample kits and to drop off water samples. And having all test results completed by the same lab at the same or lower costs will be more transparent and easier to administer. A&L has an outstanding facility in Auburn and the daily courier service eliminates the risk of mailing water samples.” 

Maine Water’s lab at Mirror Lake will continue to support seasonal programs like Maine’s Healthy Beaches and the local Volunteer Lake Monitoring programs with in house testing for various bacteria. The lab will also continue to support Maine Water’s utility operation. 

The Maine Water Company is a public water utility that currently owns 12 public water systems engaged in the collection, treatment, and distribution of drinking water for homes, businesses and fire protection service. The Maine Water Company serves more than 32,000 customers, or approximately 85,000 people, in 21 communities across Maine. The Camden and Rockland Division serves customers in the communities of Rockland, Rockport, Camden, Thomaston, Owls Head, Union and Warren and is one of 25 Maine water systems owned or operated by Maine Water.