Community Events
Celebrate National Drinking Water Week
A deep dive into the making of greater Portland’s public water system
1,200 Miles of Pipe
A public presentation by Paul Hunt, Environmental Services Manager
The Portland Water District (PWD) is a century-old company, rich in history and experience. In 1862, visionary citizens recognized a growing need for reliable water and founded the Portland Water Company and by 1869, Sebago Lake’s water flowed into Portland. Early water was not without challenges or controversy and in 1908, the Portland Water District was formed to assume the private company. As Greater Portland transformed into an industrial powerhouse, public water service expanded, and water and wastewater treatment facilities were built to meet rising demands and regulations. Over a century, innovative upgrades and rigorous environmental standards ensured a steady supply of pure, safe water and environmental stewardship. Today, we celebrate a legacy of progress, community, and pride in water services.
Join us for one of our presentations:
May 8, 2025 – 1:30 P.M. & 5:30 P.M.
Jeff P. Nixon Development Center
225 Douglass Street, Portland, ME 04102
Tour Our Sebago Lake Water Treatment Facility
See firsthand how your drinking water is treated and tested, ensuring every drop is pure and safe.
Come tour the largest water treatment facility in the state, the Sebago Lake Water Treatment Facility, where we treat the water for 1/6 of Maine’s population. At Portland Water District, we’re not just treating water—we’re perfecting it, ensuring every drop is pure and safe. Every day, using a combination of ozone, ultraviolet light, and chloramines for disinfection, we treat, test, and deliver 22 million gallons of fresh, safe, drinking water to consumers.
During your tour, you’ll even get a behind-the-scenes look at our laboratory, where our scientists explain how they test and ensure the quality of your water. This is an excellent opportunity to discover how our innovative processes keep your water crystal clear and healthy.
Disclaimer: Please be advised that this tour involves approximately 0.6 miles of walking, including 55 stairs. It may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility.
Join us for one of our tours:
May 7, 2025 – 2:30 P.M. & 4:30 P.M. (SOLD OUT)
May 14, 2025 – 2:30 P.M. & 4:30 P.M.
Sebago Lake Water Treatment Facility, 2 White Rock Road, Standish, ME 04084
Follow the Water – A Source to Sea Adventure | Short Documentary
This short documentary follows a crew that embarks on a source to sea kayaking adventure. The goal was to find the source of the drinking water for Portland, Maine, then follow the water on its journey to the ocean. Along the way, they encountered many amazing people and organizations. This film was completely self-funded by Maine Mountain Media, and features our very own Paul Hunt!
Celebrate Clean Water Week
Every Drop Counts
Tracking Your Water Quality Through The Water Cycle.
A public presentation by Paul Hunt, Environmental Services Manager.
June 3, 2025 – 1:30 P.M. & 5:30 P.M.
Jeff P. Nixon Development Center
225 Douglass Street, Portland, ME 04102
What’s really in your glass of water?
Join the Portland Water District for a presentation looking at the incredible journey each drop of water takes before it reaches your tap and after it goes down your drain. We’ll explain how we ensure it stays clean and safe every step of the way.
From the highlands of Bethel to the deep waters of Sebago Lake, through the Presumpscot River, and out to Casco Bay, water in Greater Portland is constantly on the move. We’ll show you how we detect even the tiniest shifts in water quality and protect the health of our communities and ecosystems.
Water is constantly moving—raining from clouds, flowing through forests, streams, and rivers, and finally reaching the ocean. It then evaporates, forms clouds, and rains again, creating an endless cycle. Whether you’re curious about where your water comes from and ends up, passionate about the environment, or want to know how science keeps your water safe, this presentation will leave you with a deeper appreciation for our most essential resource, water.
Tour the largest wastewater treatment plant in Maine
East End Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
The first full week of June is Clean Water Week in Maine. Established in 1983, Clean Water Week raises awareness of the improvements made in the quality of Maine’s waterways. Wastewater treatment facilities have significantly impacted the quality of our waterways since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972. We invite you to take a tour of the largest wastewater treatment facility in Maine and learn more about the important role wastewater treatment plays in preserving our waterways.
Please note that tours can take up to an hour and a half and involve walking outside and climbing stairs.
June 4, 2024 – 2:00 P.M. & 4:00 P.M.
500 Marginal Way
Portland, ME 04101