The Portland Water District has been serving Greater Portland communities with Sebago Lake water for more than 100 years and upgrading and maintaining the system since 1908. The Portland Water District invests roughly $7 million a year in water main renewals. Since 1985, reported leaks have been reduced due to the effectiveness of this program, even with the continued aging of existing water mains.
The District’s goal with the Water Main Replacement Program is to provide a reliable distribution system designed and maintained to enhance public health and safety. Water main replacement involves replacing existing water mains with new ones to improve water flow characteristics and to improve service to our customers.
Mains are identified for replacement according to numerous criteria, including:
- Partnering opportunities with municipal and MDOT road reconstruction and combined sewer overflow (CSO) projects
- Opportunities to improve water quality or address water quality concerns
- Leak frequency
- Aging infrastructure and/or outdated water main material
- Critical loop feeds (eliminating dead ends based on flow characteristics)
Main replacement projects are typically scheduled for construction between April and November.
Scheduled Projects
This page was last updated: 3/13/25
Portland
Edwards Street
Contractor:
Portland Water District
Completion:
Construction anticipated to begin May 2025
The District will replace roughly 1,300 feet of 8-inch cast iron water main originally installed in 1934 in Edwards Street with new 8-inch ductile iron water main.
Caleb Street
Contractor:
Pratt & Sons
Completion:
Advertised for Bids March 2025
The District will replace roughly 1,400 feet of 6-inch cast iron water main originally installed in 1954 in Caleb Street with new 8-inch ductile iron water main.
Elizabeth Road Transmission Valves
Contractor:
TBD
Completion:
Anticipated Advertisement Mid 2025
The District will replace two large diameter transmission main valves in Elizabeth Road as well as associated small and large diameter water mains. Project work will take place in 2025.
Hersey Street – Ocean Avenue to Clifton Street
Contractor:
Pratt & Sons
Completion:
Construction Anticipated for Summer 2025
The District will replace roughly 1,500 feet of 8-inch cast iron water main originally installed in 1931 & 1934 in Hersey Street with new 8-inch ductile iron water main.
Kent Street, Dennett Street & Donald Street
Contractor:
RE Coleman
Completion:
Construction to Begin April 2025
The District will replace roughly 640 feet of 2.25-inch cast iron water main originally installed in 1955 in Kent Street between Riggs Street and Brighton Avenue with new 6-inch cast iron water main. The District will replace 570 feet of 2.25-inch Cast Iron water main originally installed in 1953 in Dennett and Donald Streets with new 8-inch and 4-inch ductile iron water main. Project work will take place in 2025.
Providence Street
Contractor:
Aceto Earthworks
Completion:
Construction Anticipated for Summer 2025
The District will replace roughly 1,940 feet of 12-inch cast iron water main originally installed in 1927 in Providence Street between Ocean Avenue and Presumpscot Street with new 12-inch ductile iron water main. Project work will take place in 2025.
South Portland
Galvanized Pipe Replacement – Various Streets*
Contractor:
TBD
Completion:
Advertised for Bids Early 2025
The District will replace roughly 2,500 feet of 2-inch galvanized iron water main originally installed prior to 1930 in Beach Street, Burwell Avenue, Carver Boulevard, Day Street, Grand Street, Myrtle Avenue, Skillings Street, Skyline Drive, and Vincent Street with new water main of varying sizes and materials. Project work will take place in 2025 and 2026.
*This project also includes scope in Westbrook
Westbrook
Galvanized Pipe Replacement – Libby & Forest*
Contractor:
TBD
Completion:
Advertised for Bids Early 2025
The District will replace roughly 1,060 feet of water main of various sizes and materials in Libby Avenue and Forest Street with new 8-inch ductile iron water main. Project work will take place in 2025 and 2026.
*This project also includes scope in South Portland
Pierce Street & Bridge Street
Contractor:
Chase Excavation
Completion:
Construction Anticipated for Summer 2025
The District will replace roughly 2,300 feet of 6-inch cast iron water main originally installed in 1912 in Bridge Street and Pierce Street with new 12-inch ductile iron water main.
Windham
Chute Road – River Road to Pope Road
Contractor:
TBD
Completion:
Anticipated Advertisement Mid 2025
The District will install roughly 13,500 feet of new 16-inch ductile iron water main in Chute Road from River Road to Pope Road. Project work will take place in 2025 and 2026.
If you would like more information on these or other water main renewal projects please contact the Asset Management and Planning Group at (207) 774-5961 ext. 3199.