Portland Water District begins spring program to clean water mains

03.24.2021

This week water main maintenance began in Westbrook and then will be moving to South Portland and Portland (Woodford street heading west) and other parts of the system.

Maintenance flushing activities occur during business hours, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Customers may notice short periods of water discoloration; however, this program is essential to maintain water quality and public health.  If customers experience any change in water quality following maintenance activities or have security concerns regarding Portland Water District employees, please call 761-8310.  Portland Water District personnel carry photo ID and wear uniforms. 

For more detail on the flushing schedule including recent and planned activities, please visit our web site at https://www.pwd.org/water-main-flushing.

What is water main flushing?

This maintenance activity uses a high velocity flow of water in the opposite direction of natural flow to clean mains and keep water fresh.  During flushing, any sediment that may be in the mains is released out the hydrants.