Steep Falls Public Well Water Customers: New Radon Treatment System Installed
May 14, 2025 Update
Steep Falls Public Well Water Customers: New Radon Treatment System Installed
The installation of the permanent radon aeration treatment system has been successfully completed. Recent water quality testing confirms that the new system is performing significantly better than the previous one—more effectively reducing radon levels and improving overall water quality.
Before the upgrade, radon levels measured 2,938 pCi/L, below Maine’s 4,000 pCi/L Maximum Exposure Guideline. Tests conducted with the new system show levels between 581 pCi/L and 1,196 pCi/L, demonstrating the system’s improved performance.
This important upgrade reflects our continued commitment to providing safe, high-quality drinking water to the Steep Falls community.
Background
On April 1, the radon aeration system at the Steep Falls Well System failed. We installed a temporary repair, which was removed on May 2 in order to install the permanent system.
More Information
Thank you for your cooperation, and we apologize for any inconvenience. For more information, please visit the Portland Water District’s website at www.pwd.org or call 207.761.8310.
May 1, 2025 Update
This is an update on the radon aeration treatment system for the Steep Falls Public Well Water System. We are removing the temporary radon aeration treatment system on May 2 as we prepare to install the permanent system in the next two weeks. During that time the water will not be treated for radon.
Free Bottled Water
Because we understand customers may still be concerned about consuming the water, the Portland Water District is providing free bottled water until the permanent aeration system is installed. Steep Falls Public Well Water customers are invited to pick up bottled water at the Steep Falls Fire Station on Boundary Road.
Background
On April 1, the radon aeration system at the Steep Falls Well System failed, and the Maine Drinking Water Program issued a Do Not Drink Water Order. We installed a temporary repair, and when tests indicated the temporary system was effectively treating radon, the Do Not Drink Order was lifted on April 5. Since then, the Maine Drinking Water Program has determined that it is not a significant health risk to drink the water without radon treatment for this period of time.
More Information
The Portland Water District will notify Steep Falls Public Well customers when the permanent radon aeration system is installed. For more information, please visit the Portland Water District’s website at www.pwd.org or call 207.761.8310.