I am in favor of the proposed agreement between Nestle Waters and the Fryeburg Water Company.

The Fryeburg Water Company has been selling water to Poland Spring at a rate approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission for more than 15 years. This has generated much-needed additional revenue that helps to offset operational and maintenance costs and protects against rate increases.

As a ratepayer, I appreciate the lower rates because of this contract. Fortunately, an independent hydro-geology company called Emery & Garrett has been working for the town for many years to study the amount of water that can be sustainably withdrawn.

The sale of water by FWC to its customers, including Poland Spring, has resulted in no harm to the aquifer or the environment.

Some people claim that Maine’s water laws are weak and outdated. That is inaccurate. Maine has some of the toughest and most transparent water laws in the country.

Fryeburg residents should know that the Fryeburg Water Company agreement is good for ratepayers and well within the limits of sustainable water use, even though some would say otherwise.

Lastly, I would encourage my fellow Fryeburg citizens and all interested parties to step back for a moment and look at this issue factually. The facts tell the truth.

Mike Corthell, Fryeburg