Hosted by the Maine Water Utilities Association, Water Resources Committee

Managing Your Water Source and Adapting to Changes

On September 11th, the Water Resources Committee of Maine Water Utilities Association hosted its 18th Annual Drinking Water Protection Seminar at the Augusta Civic Center.  The event, titled “Managing Your Water Source and Adapting to Changes,” covered the impacts of climate change on water quality and source protection.

Key sessions included discussions on adapting to weather impacts, the resilience of Maine’s lakes, the importance of collaborating to protect Sebago Lake and the evolution of the Greater Augusta Utility District’s water supply.

Summary 

Same Source Water, Changing Water Quality, Adapting to Weather Impacts:

Anne Malefant and Al LeBlanc, from CDM Smith, discussed the challenges public water districts face due to climate change, emphasizing the need to adapt treatment processes and presented case studies on these challenges. They highlighted how changing weather patterns, like intense rainfall and warming temperatures, particularly in New England, impact water quality and treatment. They further explained how increased temperatures lead to more intense precipitation events, affecting pollutant movement into water sources. Additionally, they stressed the importance of understanding source water chemistry and implementing both short-term and long-term solutions to address water quality challenges. Both Anne and Al reviewed the need to adapt treatment processes and design facilities above flood levels and the importance of monitoring historical data and trends.

Protecting Sebago Lake: Presence, Collaboration and Partnerships:

Chad Thompson, Source Water Protection Coordinator at Portland Water District, explained the importance of protecting Sebago Lake, a key water source for the region, through collaboration and partnerships. He reviewed strategies for managing the large water utility and highlighted the need for monitoring water quality in three protection zones to ensure a safe supply. He also stressed the importance of public education, including, maintaining good relationships with code enforcement officers and highlighted the benefits of regular communication and collaboration. He shared Portland Water District’s strategy of hosting an annual Code Enforcement Officer Roundtable, which attracts code enforcement officers from various towns in their watershed and also discussed various strategies for presenting and communicating with groups, stressing the value of multimedia messaging and leveraging existing resources. He further discussed the importance of partnerships in achieving mutual goals and trust, using the example of a partnership with the Town of Standish to improve a high-traffic intersection. Chad also mentioned successful partnerships and projects to improve water quality and protect the environment. He emphasized the importance of water supply and stormwater management, highlighting the use of grants to fund projects like shoreline stabilization and buffer installation. He also discussed the significance of forest conservation and a case study of a partnership that grew beyond initial expectations. Chad talked about the history of the water district’s conservation efforts since 1998, conserving over 15,000 acres.

Maine Lakes in the Era of Climate Warming:

Scott Williams, Limnologist, has more than five decades of experience in assessing and protecting the health of Maine’s lakes. He discussed the threats that climate warming pose to Maine’s Lakes, the changes that have already been documented and what will likely occur in the future.  He reviewed measures that can be taken to make our lakes more resilient to the effects of a warming climate.

The Evolution of GAUD’s Drinking Water Supply:

Andy Begin, Assistant General Manager/Chief Engineer of Greater Augusta Utility District (GAUD) discussed the history and evolution of their water supply. The Greater Augusta Utility District has a long history dating back to 1870 when it started as a private water company. Over the decades, it has transitioned between using surface water sources like the Kennebec River and Kennedy Brook, and groundwater sources, like wells. Today, drinking water comes from three groundwater wells on the west side of the Kennebec.

In the early 2000s, the utility district faced high operational costs and debt service for its surface water treatment plant. After studying options, like interconnecting with neighboring utilities, it ultimately decided to abandon the surface water plant in favor of relying more on its groundwater wells. This shift allowed the utility to reduce costs while still meeting water demands. To further diversify its water supply, the utility district embarked on a multi-year effort to develop new groundwater sources. This involved extensive hydrogeological studies, land acquisition, and construction of new wells and a treatment facility. The goal was to reduce vulnerability and increase redundancy in the water system.

The utility district’s groundwater sources have presented some water quality challenges, including high hardness and the presence of PFAS contaminants. To address this, the utility is piloting treatment technologies to improve water quality and meet regulatory requirements. It has also secured state funding to help with PFAS mitigation.

In 2007, the utility district merged with the City of Augusta’s water and sewer utilities, which has provided operational efficiencies. The utility is also exploring repurposing its former surface water treatment plant site, though plans are still in development.

The Greater Augusta Utility District has navigated a complex history of water supply sources and treatment approaches. Looking ahead, it remains focused on developing sustainable groundwater supplies, addressing water quality challenges, and continuing to optimize its integrated water system.

Attendees had a full day discussing the challenges faced by public water facilities due to climate change, emphasizing the need to adapt and manage water quality, including emphasizing the importance of partnerships, communication, and collaboration in addressing water quality challenges and promoting conservation efforts.