Staff Writer

A Southern Maine Regional Water Council study determined the Saco River and Sebago Lake are the only local fresh water sources with the ability to serve the area’s population as it increases. 

The study, which was presented Feb. 3 to Gov. John Baldacci, outlines the benefits of regional delivery of public water, calls for additional measures be taken to protect the Saco River and Sebago Lake, and suggests creating liaisons with the state planning office and governor’s office. The study says that while existing local water sources appear to be adequate for the near term, additional water will be needed to support further economic growth in the region. 

“This study is another crucial step in examining regional water supplies and to create a framework for a combined distribution and supply system for southern Maine. A safe and reliable water supply is essential for continued economic growth in the region,” Baldacci said in a statement. “By developing a regional approach to the protection and delivery of critical public water supplies, the council has made important strides to improve the quality of water service and reduce costs over the long haul. The state – through my office, the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine CDC and the Department of Environmental Protection – will continue to work with the water council and others to ensure the protection of water sources.”

Formed in 2005 following the passage of legislation for the formation of regional water councils, the Southern Maine Regional Council is made up of water districts from Portland, Biddeford-Saco, Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Wells, Kittery, Sanford, South Berwick and York. The utilities serve more than 250,000 people in 23 communities in York and Cumberland counties, according to the study, which was funded by a $100,000 grant from the Maine Municipal Bond Bank.

The primary goal and objective of the study was “to gain a technical understanding of existing supply capacity and supply vulnerabilities, as well as determining what the future of the supplies will be locally and regionally.” The study also identified existing hydraulic limitations, proposed locations for critical facilities and identified logical interconnection corridors.

Sanford Water District Superintendent Dennis Knowles said the district currently has enough groundwater but regional distribution could provide additional water from the Saco River if needed. He said the study outlines potential interconnections with North Berwick and Alfred that could be used in the future.

Norm Labbe, superintendent of the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Wells Water District, served as president of the council while the study was conducted. He said the idea of a regional water supply has been talked about since the 1960s and efforts to regionalize in certain areas have already proven successful.

“Maine is a very local control type of state – they like to make decisions locally. When you start talking regionalization, for many people it’s a difficult step to take to give up local control,” Labbe said. “Sometimes regional is better. When it comes to saving money, regional is certainly best. Duplicating the same structure to provide the same service every five or 10 miles is not efficient.”

Among the council’s success is the formation of a regional buying group for chemicals, Labbe said. The group is composed of 24 utility entities – including the council’s seven members – and carries more “clout” with sellers to save money, he said. Labbe’s district has saved 20 percent on chemicals used for water treatment.

Knowles said his district has participated in the buying program for three years, saving $20,000 the first year. 

“We feel buying as a group is helpful in saving us money,” he said.

Other cost saving initiatives include manpower and operations staff sharing, training assistance and the pooling of design and bidding resources for water storage tank coating replacement programs. These efforts have resulted in measurable cost savings that benefit customers, according to the study.

“Every dollar we save is a dollar the customer saves. We’re constantly looking for ways to save money,” Labbe said. “Instead of everyone creating their own wheel, you create one and everyone uses what they need.”

Water Council President Gary Lorfano, who is also superintendent of the Scarborough Sanitary District, said the study provides a good framework for water districts to use as they continue to work together, both in cooperative buying and protection of watersheds. He said the study will help guide the group as it looks to the future and how to implement additional watershed protection.

“It’s a framework for the seven of us to work together. We’ve done some good things together,” he said. “It gives us a real good look at where we’re at. It’s a very good working relationship.”