| Supplemental Supplies
January 16, 2008
Since 1895, when the District's predecessor the Mousam Water Company was formed, Branch Brook has been our primary source of supply. Until 1980, when our peak daily water demand had risen to 4 MGD, it had been our only source of supply. At that time, the District installed several miles of transmission main through the Town of Arundel, from Kennebunk to Biddeford, allowing for the first time the bulk purchase of finished water from another utility. The contract with the Biddeford & Saco Water Company allowed for the purchase of up to one million gallons (MGD) of finished water per day.
By 2002 our peak demand had steadily increased to 7 MGD. At that time we entered into a mutual aid agreement with the York Water District. (For more information see The York Interconnection) This agreement allows for the bulk purchase of 1 MGD of finished water per day. During the past several years we have been aggressively pursuing additional sources of supply, both unfinished (from Wells) and finished, from other utilities. (For more information, see Growth and Water Supply)
Our most promising medium-term, high-quality supplemental supply is from the recent development of groundwater wells. Initial long-term testing of these well supplies during the summer of 2007 resulted in the successful withdrawal of over 2 MGD of groundwater. In addition to greatly enhancing our overall water quantity, these new supply sources provide the added benefit of improved water quality aesthetics as well as reduced chemical costs. For more detailed information, see the Winter 2008 issue of What's on Tap.
In addition to these alternative sources, we also have our eyes set on our area's long-term water supply needs. (For more information, see Regional Water Council Update). Whatever future supplies are utilized, our goal will be to assure that our customers will be served by the most economical and highest quality water available.
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Regional Water Coalition Update 10/25/06