Construction is underway on the Saco River Drinking Water Treatment Facility in Biddeford as all final permits have been granted to Maine Water by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
The new facility will be uphill from the current water treatment facility, which had its last overhaul of its processes in 1936 and has been in operation since 1884. Rick Knowlton, President of Maine Water, said that it has been over 80 years since there had been any major improvements in the facility.
The new facility will be 36,000 square feet in size and will be outside of the floodplain of the Saco River, which will eliminate the risk of flooding. It will feature fully automated treatment systems such that fewer chemicals and less energy will be consumed, resulting in improved efficiency and a reduction in operating costs.
Brochure printing can be used so that residents of the area learn more about the features and benefits of such new facilities.
Knowlton added that the design of this facility will enable the service areas of Saco and Biddeford to have the next century of water service. He said that this upgrade to the facility has been long overdue. A pump station will continue to draw water from the Saco River and will pump it to the new station.
Construction of the facility is expected to be completed in Spring 2022.
