Maine has more than 6,000 lakes, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 5,000 miles of coastline

Clean, healthy waterways are vital to our day-to-day lives. They help ensure safe drinking water, good habitat for fish and other wildlife, and recreational opportunities. They also support our booming craft beer industry.

Maine’s craft beer economy

Maine is seeing growth in the craft beer industry at a rate that is outpacing national growth of craft breweries. Maine had 14 craft breweries in 2007, and more than 135 at the end of 2018—with breweries in all 16 Maine counties. According to an economic impact study by the University of Maine and Maine Brewers Guild, the craft beer industry contributed more than $260 million to Maine’s economy in 2017, with more than 1,900 direct employees who received $54 million in total wages, and another 650 indirect jobs.

 To sustain this industry and its growth, we need to protect the products main ingredient: water.

Maine’s Clean water

Good beer needs good, clean water. The average beer is more than 90 percent water, and the local water supply’s characteristics - such as pH, mineral content, and purity, are central to the quality of each brew.

Maine has some of the cleanest water in the country, which gives brewers a blank canvas to brew their beers. This leads not only to outstanding quality and taste, but saves the industry millions of dollars annually.

Maine’s clean water is not an accident, and should not be taken for granted. We benefit from this resource because of strong environmental protections and the conservation ethic of Maine people, lawmakers, and business owners.

We need to protect Maine’s rivers, lakes, and streams so we can keep brewing — and drinking — the finest beers that only Maine can offer.