Celebrate Safe Drinking Water during National Drinking Water Week, May 4-10

Tour the Sebago Lake Water Treatment Facility and see firsthand how your drinking water is treated and tested, ensuring every drop is pure and safe.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.

Sebago Lake Water Treatment Facility

2 White Rock Road, Standish

Attend 1,200 Miles of Pipe: A deep dive into the making of Greater Portland’s drinking water and wastewater systems.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

1:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Nixon Development Center

225 Douglass Street, Portland

Tour the largest water treatment facility in the state, the Sebago Lake Water Treatment Facility, where water is produced for 1/6 of Maine’s population. At Portland Water District, we’re not just treating water—we’re perfecting it. Every day, using a combination of ozone, ultraviolet light, and chloramines for disinfection, we treat, test, and deliver 22 million gallons of clean, fresh, drinking water to consumers.

During your tour, you’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at our laboratory, where our scientists explain how they test and ensure the quality of your water.

Join us for a history presentation by PWD’s Environmental Services Manager Paul Hunt. 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 service 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 wastewater service was added to meet rigorous environmental standards and public demand. Today, we celebrate a legacy of progress, community, and pride in water services.

Back by Popular Demand: Discounted Rain Barrels!

Preorder now while supplies last: $80 plus tax

As part of National Drinking Water Week and Clean Water Week, PWD partners directly with the manufacturer to offer discounted rain barrels.

Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water and reduce pollution. Rainwater collected from your roof can be used to water lawns, gardens, and indoor plants.

Preorder now and pick up at select dates between May 31 and June 5.

ORDER HERE

Announcing our 2024 Water Bottle Filling Fountain Grant Recipients

We’re pleased to announce the recipients of our 2024 Water Bottle-Filling Fountain Grants!

Congratulations to:

Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine
Congin School
Ketcha Outdoors
Scarborough Public Library
Falmouth High School
University of New England

These grants support the installation of water bottle-filling stations to increase access to public tap water—offering a sustainable, convenient alternative to single-use plastic bottles.

Since the program began, we’ve helped fund 53 units across our service area. We’re proud to support these outstanding organizations as they lead the way in promoting environmental stewardship and public health in their communities.