Sebago Lake Protection

The first step to ensuring quality water at the tap is to protect the water source. Sebago Lake is the drinking water source for Portland Water District customers. It is a large, multi-use lake with excellent water quality. PWD has the unique distinction of maintaining a legal exemption from the filtration requirement of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The exemption, granted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and reviewed annually by the Maine Drinking Water Program, means that water from Sebago Lake is already so clean that filtering it is unnecessary. This saves PWD customers money. In order to maintain this status, Sebago Lake water quality must meet strict criteria and PWD must maintain an effective watershed control program.

Together, the Portland Water District, area residents, town and state officials, and tourists defend the lake against potential contaminants to ensure the quality of water remains exceptional for generations to come.