What’s New Around Sebago Lake’s Lower Bay

Summer 2026

The water intakes for Greater Portland’s drinking water supply are located in Lower Bay of Sebago Lake. To safeguard water quality, access to areas on both the land and lake in Lower Bay are restricted. However, the public is welcome to visit and enjoy the Sebago Lake Land Reserve (SLLR), which encompasses roughly 1,700 acres of land open to the public.

Monitoring Buoy Out-of-Service

PWD’s lake monitoring buoy stopped transmitting real-time temperature and dissolved oxygen data at the end of June. It has been removed from the lake and the “brains” sent to the technicians for troubleshooting.

For historical data visit our website.

Enjoy a Safer Hike on the SLLR Trails

PWD has been busy mowing and trimming grassy sections of the trail to reduce exposure to ticks, so visitors can enjoy a safer, more comfortable visit.

For other tick prevention tips, visit the Tick Lab.

Patrolling Trails by Bike

PWD patrols the Land Reserve trails by mountain bike, in addition to foot and UTV patrols. Security staff ensure visitors are safe, have permits to access the trails, and are respecting the allowed and prohibited uses identified at the 13 kiosks. Proper use of the trails helps protect the water quality of Sebago Lake. Learn more about the trails and uses: Sebago Lake Land Reserve

Standish Boat Launch

PWD is at the Standish Boat Launch, in partnership with the Town of Standish, to ensure boat access to Sebago Lake’s Lower Bay does not compromise water quality. Due to its location in the No Bodily Contact Zone and the potential for contamination, PWD is at the boat launch seven days a week during summer months. This allows us to talk with boaters, explain the protection zones around the intakes, distribute educational literature, and inspect boats for invasive aquatic plants. Learn more about lake protection zones!

Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species spread from lake to lake primarily by boats. Variable-leaf milfoil is already in Sebago Lake, and our partners at Lakes Environmental Association are working hard to manage it. Two other threats, spiny water flea and zebra mussels, haven’t been identified here yet, but preventing the spread of all three, and others, is the responsibility of all lake users. These invaders can impact the excellent water quality of Sebago Lake we rely on for drinking water customers, that lake users enjoy for swimming, paddling, and fishing, and Maine’s wildlife depend on for habitat. To stop aquatic hitchhikers, Maine implemented the Clean, Drain, Dry law in 2023. CLEAN your boat, trailer, and gear. DRAIN bilge, ballast tanks, and live wells, and DRY everything. Learn more about Maine’s Invasive Aquatic Species Program.

Interested in learning more about Portland Water District?

Connect with us by visiting our website or by following us @MyPortlandWater.