The
mission of the Water District remains unchanged since 1925. We are
dedicated to providing high quality water services to homes, businesses,
and industry in Old Town, Milford, Bradley, parts of Orono, and to the
Penobscot Indian Nation on Indian Island. We also maintain a
transmission and distribution system of sufficient capacity and pressure
to provide adequate fire protection throughout our service area.
The
source of water for the District is several gravel wells located near
Spring Street and the Bennoch Road. The treatment plant on Spring Street
removes Iron and Manganese which are not a health concern but can cause
taste and oder issues. Chlorine is used to purify and Fluoride is added
for improved dental health. We install and maintain water service lines
and mains, and maintain water meters and associated equipment for each
of our more than 3,300 customers. We perform hydrant maintenance to
assure reliable operation and flush our system twice per year. We
perform daily maintenance and servicing of the water treatment plant. We
sample and analyze the water both at our wells and filter plant as well
as the distribution system. We maintain 3 water storage tanks which
provide reserves for times of high flow and to assist in keeping
adequate system pressure. We have an approved cross connection control
(backflow) program to protect the public water supply from
contamination. We read and bill residential accounts quarterly for water
usage. Commercial and industrial accounts are read and billed monthly.
By State
Law, we have three trustees; two representing Old Town, one representing
Milford. We employ a staff of eight dedicated employees consisting of a
Superintendent, two office staff, one meter /service people, a filter
plant operator, foreman, and a maintenance and repair crew of two.
The
Trustees examine income and expenses on a monthly basis. They also, as
required, employ the services of a Certified Public Accountant to
perform an annual audit of all financial aspects of the District. They
examine the true cost of servicing customers and set water rates
accordingly with approval of the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Public
input pertaining to any public water issue is welcome and encouraged at
any regular Trustee meeting. Meetings are generally held on the second
Tuesday of each month at the District office. Meeting time is from 7:30
am to 9:00 am.