FAQs

Why does the PWD offer school-based education programs?

PWD believes that education is a critical component of source protection. Our goal is to establish life-long habits of environmental stewardship, which will translate to protection of water quality in Sebago Lake, now and for the future.

Why does PWD allow snowmobiling but does not allow the use of ATVs within the Sebago Lake Land Reserve?

Snowmobiles operate on frozen and snow-covered ground and therefore do not tear up vegetation and expose soil to erosion. This is not true of ATVs which can expose soil that can be washed into the lake.

Is hunting allowed on Portland Water District property?

Yes. The PWD recognizes all hunting seasons as defined by the State of Maine and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

To access PWD land for hunting you must either (1) be the holder of an annual permit, issued to abutters; or (b) fill out a daily permit at one of 11 visitor kiosks. Land access rules have been clearly posted within the kiosk. Most importantly, do not trespass in “No Trespassing” areas colored in red on the kiosk maps. Violation of the No Trespassing zone can result in a fine of $500 to $2,500 as well as a criminal conviction.

What’s the largest fish ever caught in Sebago Lake?

Sebago holds the world record for the biggest landlocked salmon ever caught; a 22.5 pound fish hauled in by Edward Blakey in 1908. The lake also holds the record for the largest Whitefish in Maine, a 7.5 pounder caught by Neil Sullivan in 1958. However, it is believed the biggest fish ever caught in Sebago was a 27-pound Lake Trout (Togue), caught by Bill Day in 1996.

Do you have any advice for the food service industry during a boil order?

Food Service Guidance

Contact your local health department for guidance.

Why must I boil my water?

A boil order has been issued to your water system because either recent testing has shown the presence of organisms that could cause illness (e.g. fecal or E. coli bacteria), or technical/physical problems in the water system have significantly increased the possibility of bacterial contamination.

Who can be affected?

Anyone who ingests contaminated water may become ill. Infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems are more at risk of illness.

How can I make my water safe?

Boiling the water is the best way to ensure that it is free of illness-causing organisms. Bring water to a rolling boil for a minimum of one minute. When it cools, refrigerate the water in clean containers. (A pinch of salt per quart may improve the rather flat taste of boiled water). If you do not want to boil your water, you can disinfect it by adding 1/8 teaspoon of bleach (common household bleach containing 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite) per gallon of water. Do not use bleach containing perfume, dyes, or other additives.

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Is it necessary to boil all water in the home during an advisory or order?

During boil water advisories or boil water orders, you should boil all water used for drinking, preparing food, beverages, ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth. It is not necessary to boil tap water used for other household purposes, such as showering, laundry, or bathing. Adults, teens, and older children can wash, bathe, or shower; however, they should avoid swallowing the water. Toddlers and infants should be sponge-bathed.

How should tap water be boiled properly?

Water should be placed in a heat-resistant container and brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill all disease-causing organisms.

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Contact: 225 Douglass Street, PO Box 3553, Portland, ME 04104-3553

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