Water Main Replacement Program

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• Aging infrastructure and/or outdated water main material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.

This page was last updated 2/1/2019.

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. 3043.