Clean Water Week, June 5-11

06.07.2022

Not only are we celebrating Clean Water Week here in Maine from June 5-11, but 2022 marks the 50-year anniversary of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Established in 1972, the CWA set the course to clean up pollution with a broad goal that all waters in the United States should be swimmable and fishable. That goal paved the way for thousands of wastewater treatment plants to be constructed around the country. Wastewater plants have played a vital role in cleaning up the pollution that was plaguing our waters, closing beaches, and devastating aquatic life.

The Portland Water District operates four wastewater treatment plants in Greater Portland and oversees two of the largest industrial pretreatment programs in the state. Over decades, millions have been invested to modernize plants and further improve processes to protect Casco Bay. Wastewater treatment plants, collection systems, and industrial pretreatment programs are critical to support a thriving community and protect and preserve Casco Bay.

Maine’s Clean Water Week is a time set aside to recognize the value, importance, and need to protect our water resources. Maine would not be Maine without our incredible sources of clean water that offer safe drinking water, environmental habitats, breathtaking views, and recreational and economic opportunities.