Maine Water Company Biddeford Saco Div

Maine Water takes pride in presenting our annual summary of water quality provided to our community. This report fulfills requirements of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act to annually share details about your water source, composition, and our rigorous testing protocols.

In our commitment to sustainability and efficiency, we now provide these reports online and will gladly mail printed copies upon request. For questions about this report, please contact our customer service team at 1-800-287-1643 or email customerservice@mainewater.com.

We're pleased to report that for 2017, your municipal water met all national primary drinking water standards.

Water Source Information: The Saco River serves as the exclusive source for the Biddeford-Saco water system. It begins in New Hampshire's White Mountains and flows 120 miles through forests and farmlands before reaching our treatment facility. The watershed spans approximately 1,700 square miles.

The Saco River is among New England's cleanest major waterways, largely due to minimal industrial development along its shores. Almost all of the Maine portion has received the highest cleanliness rating possible for rivers.

Our water treatment process includes flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration. We add chlorine and ammonia for disinfection, fluoride for dental health, and corrosion inhibitors to protect your plumbing system.

Source Water Assessment: The Maine Drinking Water Program has evaluated all public water supplies through their Source Water Protection Program. A 2015 assessment for our Biddeford-Saco system indicated a low risk of significant contamination. Assessment results are available at town offices, public water facilities, or the DWP (207-287-2070).

Potential Contaminants in Source Water:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals, which can occur naturally or result from urban runoff or industrial discharge
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants, byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production
• Radioactive contaminants, often naturally occurring

1. How much does new water service cost? The new carrier cost is $475. Meter deposit for new and existing services is $90 plus a $10 service fee. For a 1-inch meter, the cost increases to $725. Deposits are refundable when you move.
2. Where should I place my meter? When completing paperwork at our office, you'll receive a flag to mark the location we've discussed.
3. How long does meter installation take? Installation typically takes 10 business days after paperwork completion and payment.
4. Do I own the meter after installation? No. You've paid a meter deposit which is refundable when you move.
5. Will my yard be restored after service connection? Yes, though weather conditions may occasionally delay repairs.
6. Must I connect to the waterline if my well works fine? No, connection is optional.
7. Does the company install the water service line to my house? No. We're only licensed to work up to the meter box. The service line is your responsibility.
8. What will my water pressure be? Pressure typically ranges from 45-65 psi depending on your location.
9. What are the monthly costs? Bills vary based on usage. Check our water rate link for details.
10. How often are bills issued? Monthly.
11. What's the payment deadline? Bayou Two Region bills are mailed by the 20th and due by the 5th of the following month. Grand Prairie Region bills are mailed by the 29th and due by the 15th of the following month.
12. Where can I pay my bill? Online, in person with cash, money order, check or credit card, or using the dropbox outside our office.
13. Can I use automatic bank drafting? Yes, we offer this service.
14. Do you offer leak adjustments? We allow one leak adjustment annually after repairs are completed.
15. How can I detect a leak? Your meter has a built-in leak detector (small circle with wagon wheel or triangle). With all water fixtures off, check if it's spinning. If it is, you have a leak. You can use your home shutoff valve to determine if the leak is inside your home or in your service line.

Common Household Questions:

• Why are ice cubes cloudy? Home ice appears cloudy because it isn't stirred during freezing (unlike commercial ice). Without mixing, more ice crystals form and trap air, creating a cloudy appearance. Naturally occurring minerals in water also settle during freezing.
• How do I remove white mineral rings in my coffeepot? These rings are calcium and magnesium deposits left behind when water evaporates. Soak coffeepots or shower heads overnight in vinegar, then rinse thoroughly before use.