Maine Water Continued Improvements in 2023

SACO, Maine — Jan. 10, 2024 — In 2023 Maine Water invested over $16 million to secure, enhance and sustain high quality drinking water and robust fire protection in its many service areas throughout Maine.

These investments improve service, water quality and reliability across the company’s divisions in Maine, including an ongoing effort to replace old water mains, many dating back to the late 1800’s. Altogether, Maine Water maintains approximately 550 miles of distribution infrastructure. 

“Proactive maintenance and replacement of our water mains improves reliability and water quality, and reduces service interruptions from untimely main breaks,” said Maine Water president Mark Vannoy. “Water systems across Maine need replacement at an increasing rate, because the age of the original infrastructure in the ground can approach or exceed a hundred years. We’re making sure public water systems support the future needs of our communities, including economic development and wise use of our natural water resources. And, of course, a nice bonus is that this work creates construction jobs.”

Vannoy said Maine Water’s local superintendents routinely consult with public works and town officials to map out planned work, to facilitate a coordinated approach and achieve cost efficiencies for both customers and municipalities. The 2023 investment includes:

• $9.75 M for water main replacements
• $6 M for pumping and plant improvements (significant projects included new wells and treatment building in Kezar Falls and granular activated carbon filtering technology in Millinocket)
• $0.6 M for hydrants and related services

“Elected officials rightly insist that as a state and a country we need to maintain and re-invest in our infrastructure, for economic development, public health and fire protection as part of our responsibility to future generations. We agree and we’re proud to do our part,” Vannoy said.

Maine Water consistently ranks very highly for customer satisfaction in independently conducted surveys. In the most recent survey, more than 88% gave Maine Water high marks for its customer service. Late last year, Maine Water was named “Water Utility of the Year” by the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) in recognition of its achievements in customer service and water infrastructure investment.