PORTLAND, Maine - A water company that serves much of southern Maine is proposing a new, $50 million treatment plant on the Saco River.
The Maine Water Company's existing water treatment plant in Biddeford is more than 120 years old. Company officials say it's time to build a modern plant to serve 21 communities from Biddeford to Scarborough - and maybe beyond.
"This new plant is a commitment to the next century of service," says Richard Knowlton, vice president of Maine Water Company. He says the aging plant is growing more and more costly to maintain. It's also in the flood plain - a liability when climate change threatens more volatile weather ahead.
The new plant would be built on higher ground - and able to treat 20 million gallons a day. That's enough to serve the system for 50 years - with a design that could be expanded to serve new communities if warranted.
The existing plant's customers have enjoyed some of the lowest water rates in the state. Eric Thornburgh, CEO of parent-company Connecticut Water, says that will likely change. "When you make a generational investment we will expect rates to rise. When you look around, I would love to think that we'll be at a dollar day or less for the average residential customer when we're done."
It will be up to state regulators to decide whether the new facility is needed and what a fair water rate will be. Company officials hope to begin construction in 2018.