Portland Water District - Greater Portland

WATER SOURCE INFORMATION

Sebago Lake serves as the primary drinking water source for Portland Water District customers. This magnificent body of water is Maine's second largest lake and is renowned for its exceptional quality. The purity of Sebago Lake water is so remarkable that it doesn't require filtration before disinfection – a distinction held by fewer than 50 surface water suppliers nationwide.

This natural filtration offers several advantages:

• Superior taste compared to filtered water that often requires additional chemicals
• Cost efficiency by avoiding filtration plant construction (which can exceed $100 million)
• Enhanced safety through prevention rather than removal of contaminants

COLLABORATIVE PROTECTION EFFORTS

While serving as a drinking water source, Sebago Lake is also a recreational destination. In 2017 alone, Portland Water District partnered with over 100 organizations including state and federal agencies, educational institutions, lake associations, and land trusts to protect this vital resource.

The Maine Drinking Water Program (DWP) has evaluated all public water supplies through their Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). Their assessment concluded that Sebago Lake faces a moderate risk of contamination, with recreational activities in Lower Bay and shoreland development presenting the most significant long-term concerns.

MULTIPLE PROTECTION STRATEGIES

Our comprehensive protection program includes:

• Continuous water quality monitoring
• Lake security measures
• Property inspections and pollution prevention
• Environmental education and community outreach
• Land acquisition and conservation initiatives

FOREST PRESERVATION INITIATIVES

The forests surrounding Sebago Lake function as natural water filters. PWD collaborates with local land trusts to help willing landowners conserve forested property, contributing up to 25% of conservation transaction costs. Since 2013, this program has protected over 2,500 acres of watershed forest.

ADVANCED TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES

In 2014, Portland Water District enhanced its treatment process with ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection to meet federal regulations and improve water safety. We also upgraded to an energy-efficient ozone system. Combined with chloramine treatment, your water now undergoes three separate disinfection processes before reaching your tap.

These improvements have resulted in better disinfection levels throughout the distribution system, particularly in areas furthest from treatment facilities.

STEEP FALLS WATER SYSTEM

The Steep Falls well system in Standish serves approximately 300 residents with treatment that includes liquid sodium hypochlorite for disinfection, sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment and corrosion control, aeration for radon removal, and fluoridation with sodium fluoride.

Payment Options for Your Water Bill

1. In-Person Payments: Available at the Water Division (1640 S. Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO 63110) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at City Hall (Office of the Collector of Revenue, Room 109, St. Louis, MO 63103) during the same hours.
2. Mail Payments: Make checks payable to "Gregory F.X. Daly, Collector of Revenue." Send payments to: Gregory F.X. Daly, Collector of Revenue, City Hall, Room 109, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103.
3. Credit Card Payments: Call 1-877-309-4928 or use the online payment portal.
4. Direct Payment Plan: Set up automatic payments from your checking or savings account at no cost. Request forms by calling (314) 622-4179, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5. Online Payments: Click the "Begin Online" button to access the payment portal. You can sign in as a guest or create an account using your email or Facebook login.

Note: Cash payments are not accepted by mail, and no coins are accepted for any payment method.