What Lies Beneath: Assessing the Health of Critical Infrastructure

Condition Assessments Guide Long-Term Reliability of Critical Infrastructure

The Portland Water District is committed to maintaining and investing in the critical infrastructure that delivers essential services to our communities. That’s why we inspect critical underground infrastructure to better understand the health of key pipelines and guide long-term planning.

Recently, we completed an in-depth inspection of the India Street wastewater pipeline, a 1.3-mile pipe built in 1976 that carries flow from downtown Portland to the East End Wastewater Treatment Facility. We also assessed a major 3.1 mile water transmission main, built in 1949, that serves South Portland and Cape Elizabeth. The pipelines were inspected to detect leaks, trapped air, and structural deterioration using specialized in-line tools.

These types of condition assessments are especially important for infrastructure that lacks redundancy. For single pipelines, early detection of potential issues helps us avoid unexpected failures and ensure continued service.

By investing in these proactive inspections, we’re taking steps now to maintain reliable water and wastewater systems for the future—protecting the essential services our communities depend on every day.

What Does Clean Water Mean to You?

As part of Imagine a Day Without Water, celebrated on October 16, we asked people across Greater Portland a simple question — what does clean water mean to you? Their thoughtful (and sometimes surprising!) answers highlight just how essential water is to every part of our lives.

Thank you to the City of Portland, the Portland International Jetport, and Casco Bay Lines for helping us connect with the community to make this video possible.

Water Bottle Filling Fountain Grants

Now Accepting Applications: October 31 Deadline

Applications for the 2025 Water Bottle Filling Fountain Grants are now being accepted. The grant program offers free water bottle-filling fountains to local entities. Since the inception of the grant program, PWD has supported the installation of 52 Water Bottle Filling Fountains.

Water bottle-filling fountains provide touch-free, sanitary access to Greater Portland’s excellent tap water. Applications are due October 31. Complete criteria, eligibility requirements, and the application can be found online at the link below.

APPLY TODAY