The Value of Water: 2011 Maine Water Utilities Association supplement

2, Monday-Tuesday | May 2-3, 2011, Maine Water Utilities Association

The value of water at Maine’s Mount Agamenticus

By Robin Kerr, Conservation Coordinator MOUNT AGAMENTICUS CONSERVATION REGION

As the land manager for the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region, I have a love/hate relationship with water. Water from the region’s three hills drains to fill critical vernal pools and wetland habitat essential to a plethora of plants and animals.

The filtered water replenishes rural wells and local reservoirs serving three area towns. However, on steep slopes, water and gravity can result in severe erosion, which accounts for 90 percent of the labor-intensive trail remediation we do on an annual basis as per our mission statement: “Protect the region’s water quality and wildlife habitat while managing sustainable recreational opportunities for the general public.�

Mount A is the high point of five watersheds. A watershed is where all the water under, or drains off, an area goes into the same place. John Wesley Powell, 19th century explorer and geographer, defined “watershed� as: “...That area of land, a bounded hydrologic system, within which all living things are inextricably linked by their common water course and where, as humans settled, simple logic demanded that they become part of a community.�

A watershed is essentially a shared water body that serves as a drainage basin; rain and snowmelt drain downhill into the watershed, which can be a river, lake, reservoir, wetland, or ocean. The basin includes the streams and rivers that convey the water and the land surfaces serving those watercourses. From Mount A’s summit, you can see the reservoirs that provide drinking water for York, Kittery, and Eliot. The water in these reservoirs and area wells comes from the streams and watersheds around Mount A, so environmental protection there

Are high municipal costs causing you pain?

PHOTO BY GARY STEVENS, YORK WATER DISTRICT

Welch’s Pond, owned by York Water District, feeds Chase’s Pond. Across Welch’s, we see Mount Agamenticus.

helps safeguard the water supply for over 25,000 residences and businesses and 500,000 annual visitors in our region.

Environmental protection of Mount A also benefits wildlife that relies on vernal pools — low spots that fill with rain and snowmelt in the spring and usually dry up during the summer. They are a unique wetland habitat, critically important breeding places for specially adapted animals such as

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

the spotted salamander, blue-spotted salamander, wood frog, and fairy shrimp. Many other creatures, like caddisflies, dragonflies, and the rare Blanding’s and spotted turtles, also rely on vernal pools for food and shelter at different times during their life cycles.

The fragile hydrology of this system is negatively impacted by severe erosion. Steep slopes, rugged terrain, thin soils, and granite outcrops on Mount A, and a long history of

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poor land-use practices, combine to create high erosion potential. Erosion damages the trails, washing away the soil and leaving exposed bedrock, large loose rocks, boulders, roots, and steep-sided gullies. The eroded soil causes problems off the trail, too, muddying vernal pools and natural reservoirs. High nutrient concentrations in the See AGAMENTICUS, Page 12 This MWUA supplement was produced and published by the

Editor/Layout: David M. Fitzpatrick Photos: Gary Steves, BDN, et al.

Cover Design: Chris Quimby Sales: Linda Hayes To participate in next year’s MWUA supplement, contact Linda Hayes at (207) 990-8136 or lhayes@bangordailynews.com.

To reach a wide audience with your organization’s message, run your own Special Section. For information, contact Mike Kearney at (207) 990-8212 or mkearney@bangordailynews.com.

Maine Water Utilities Association, Monday-Tuesday | May 2-3, 2011, 3

The Value of Your Drinking Water

If your water comes through a municipal water system, you probably don’t think much about where it comes from. You might not even consider how easily you get the water, or how invaluable it is to you. Your water is safe, clean, and reliable for drinking, and accessible at the turn of a tap. But did you know that it costs an average family in Maine less than one dollar per day for drinking water?

Considering all the things you use water for, what would you do without it... even just for one day? Think about all the things you wouldn’t be able to do!

Drinking

Showering

Brushing Teeth

Water for Pets

Cleaning

Washing Hands

Ice

Laundry

Washing Dishes

Flushing

Cooking

Gardening

4, Monday-Tuesday | May 2-3, 2011, Maine Water Utilities Association

The implications of our aging water infrastructure

By Gregory Cataldo,Vice President WOODARD & CURRAN

The average person can live 40-plus days without food, but only three to five without water. Clean water is used for sanitation purposes like cleaning and hand washing, in the processing and manufacturing industry for cleaning and producing the food that we eat, for fire protection, and for hundreds of other daily activities. A reliable supply of clean water is crucial to our economy and our way of life, but the infrastructure that brings us clean water is aging rapidly. Unlike fine wine, our water and transportation infrastructure does not improve with age.

Earlier this year, an urban Maine water district responded to two major breaks in the underground mains that transport the city’s water. Many residents and businesses reported either low water flow or no water at all. Unfortunately, water-main breaks are a common occurrence in Maine and throughout New England, in part due to our infrastructure’s deteriorating condition. While not glamorous, providing and maintaining safe, reliable water infrastructure is key to public safety and health, economic growth, and sustainable development.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there is an average of 700 water-main breaks per day in the U.S. In the country’s biggest water systems, 30 percent of the pipes are 40-80 years old. In Maine’s oldest communities, it is not uncommon to have ground pipes over 100 years old, with some dating to the Civil War. When a water main breaks, bacteria or other contaminants can enter the water supply, which is directly distributed to residents and businesses. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the nation’s drinking water system a grade of D- due to its poor condition. The state of Maine received a slightly better grade of C.

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BANGOR DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOS

Upgrading and maintaining water infrastructure is vital and ongoing. Left: In June 1960, officials of the Camden-Rockland Water Company open a new 12-inch water main that would supply water from Rockland's reservoir to the north end of the city and parts of Glen Cove. Above: In March 2008, Kathy Moriarty, general manager of the Bangor Water District, stands near the Floods Pond pumping station in Otis. The BWD pumps about 5 million gallons of water daily. Drinking water is periodically tested for more than 200 contaminants and is treated at a separate facility before entering the water supply. Without ongoing improvements, innovations, and technologies like these, municipal water wouldn’t be possible.

In June 2008, the Bangor Daily News reported that “Maine’s economic development has been slowed because of an increasing backlog of drinking water projects.”

Water projects valued at approximately $900 million have been identified and are in need of funding over the next 20 years. Investing in Maine’s water infrastructure is necessary to help spur and maintain economic growth across the state.

As existing infrastructure continues to age without appropriate investment in maintenance and replacement, we will see more service interruption from water-main breaks and impaired economic-growth opportunities, fire-flow risks, as well as potentially compromised water quality.

Investing in maintenance and upgrades would provide direct economic benefits, including jobs created to perform mainte-

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nance and replacement projects. It would also provide indirect benefits, such as protecting Maine’s image as a great place to live and do business because the state is willing to make investments in providing essential infrastructure and services. New businesses

in Maine will create jobs, magnifying the benefits of the initial investment in our water infrastructure. Improving water infrastructure in the state of Maine, and the country as a whole, is an economic and public-health necessity.

2011 MWUA SCHOLARSHIPS At the annual MWUA meeting in February 2011, the organization presented three $1,000 scholarships. The scholarships went to three University of Maine students: Stephen Siviski, who interned with Kennebec Water District; Dustin Lacombe, who interned with Kennebec Water District; and Daniel Gibson, who interned with Bangor Water District.

MWUA staff presents Daniel Gibson with his scholarship. From left: MWUA recent past president Kathy Moriarty, Bangor Water District; Gibson; Mary Jane Dillingham, Auburn Water District, Lewiston Water Division; and Kirsten Ness, Portland Water District.

Maine Water Utilities Association, Monday-Tuesday | May 2-3, 2011, 5

Photo: Brett Weinstein

The value of water: yesterday, today, and tomorrow

By Mark Dubois, Certified Geologist POLAND SPRING WATER COMPANY

For many Maine people like me, water is part of our state identity. From the snow we ski on to the lakes we enjoy on hot summer days to the rivers we fish in, water is everywhere. As one of our state’s greatest natural resources, it’s part of our everyday lives.

Maine’s water heritage has made possible Poland Spring’s long history in Maine, and we’re committed to protecting this abundant and renewable natural resource.

Poland Spring was founded 165 years ago, when safe drinking water was not always readily available. Waterborne disease was very common, and spring water a welcome relief. Not long after, many of today’s public water systems were started to improve the quality and delivery of drinking water.

Today, Maine enjoys abundant and clean water resources that enhance our quality of life and support thousands of jobs. At Poland Spring, we turn this rapidly renewable natural resource into good jobs for Maine people. But the true value of what we do goes beyond what’s put in bottles and shipped across the Northeast; it’s the people we employ, the causes we support, and our close relationships with the communities where we live and work.

As water-resource professionals, we understand the importance of managing the springs we use in a sustainable way and ensuring that the land and sources around them are protected.

First and foremost, Poland Spring chooses spring sources that can be managed over the long term. Spring water production requires constant and sustained stewardship. The nine Maine springs we utilize con-

tinue to flow, and aquifers receive water regularly in the form of rain and snow. The water in each bottle of Poland Spring is part of that annual overflow. The spring source and the aquifer are protected because we use this overflow in a managed, sustainable way.

Like public and private water utilities, we operate under significant federal, state, and local regulation and oversight. For example, state permitting of spring-water withdrawal commonly requires monitoring nearby surface water and natural habitats. This gives us data to ensure that we are meeting our stringent permit requirements and that there is no harm to local wells and watersheds.

We share MWUA’s commitment to educating about water-resource issues; only an informed public will understand the value of protecting our clean water. Poland Spring donates to water-education programs and supports organizations like Ferry Beach

Ecology School and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, which work with young Mainers to teach them the value of preserving Maine’s waterways and resources, ensuring the next generation of Mainers have the skills they need to protect the natural resources that are so vital to Maine’s economy and to our Maine way of life.

For all the strides made since Hiram Ricker first tapped the water in Poland Spring, it will continue to be a challenge to provide ever-cleaner drinking water to a growing population. Everyone wants to see healthy aquifers, clean lakes and abundant fish populations. We’re committed to ensuring the next generation of Mainers has the same love and appreciation for water as we do. We’re ready to help meet that challenge to protect our precious water resources, and to support MWUA’s mission to deliver clean safe drinking water to Maine people.

Managing Maine’s Water Responsibly Since 1845 Like water districts throughout Maine, Poland Spring manages Maine’s abundant, renewable water resources for sustainability through careful monitoring and strict adherence to state and local regulations. Poland Spring has nothing to gain and everything to lose from overusing local groundwater.

All of our nearly 800 full-time and seasonal employees are committed to making sure that every one of our water sources will be here and healthy for generations to come.

Proud member of MWUA since 2000.

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6, Monday-Tuesday | May 2-3, 2011, Maine Water Utilities Association

Where the wood frog grows: the very cool vernal pool

COLOR R

Color the Vernal Pool!

In the spring and early summer months, vernal pools are noisy, busy places! Which species can you draw in your vernal pool? Can you find that animal in a vernal pool near your house?

By Elissa Guerrette and Amanda Roy PORTLAND WATER DISTRICT

Have you ever been walking through the woods and suddenly… SQUOOSH, you stepped right into a big pile of mud and leaves at the bottom of a hill? Yes, you are now standing in wet shoes, but you could also be standing in the middle of a salamander nursery! You may be standing in a vernal pool.

What in the world is a vernal pool?

A vernal pool is where salamanders, frogs, and funny critters that swim on their sides, called fairy shrimp, go to lay their eggs.

These pools are so special, even endangered animals like to go there! In a vernal pool, you can find yellow spotted salamanders, blue spotted salamanders, wood frogs, turtles, snakes, and many other curious critters that need water to live. These animals have to be quick, though, because the pool is only open for a short time. Vernal pools fill up in

Color the Amphibian Lifecycle!

WOOD FROG

Wood frogs and spotted salamanders are amphibians that grow from egg to adult in Maine’s vernal pools.

Color each stage of their life cycles, then cut them out and see if you can put them back in order! When do the wood frog and spotted salamander look the most alike? When do they look the most different?

SPOTTED SALAMANDER

COLOR R

the spring with water from melted snow and April showers. Once summer comes, they dry right up! Don’t worry, though, because those baby frogs, little salamanders, turtles, and all their new friends grow up just in time to crawl into nearby dry land for their fall and winter homes.

Why do we need vernal pools?

Can’t all those animals just lay their eggs in ponds or lakes?

Vernal pools are the forests’ food source!

It works like this: Small bugs eat the fallen leaves, frogs and salamanders eat the bugs, turtles and snakes eat the frogs, birds eat the snakes, foxes eat the birds, eagles eat the foxes… and so on! Without vernal pools, we would have forests full of old leaves and many animals would not find food to eat.

Vernal pools help keep Maine’s forests healthy.

Ponds and lakes do have many of the best parts of a vernal pool (water, food, twigs to stick their eggs on so they don’t float away)

but they also have something that our vernal pool buddies don’t like: fish. You see, a fish’s favorite snack is eggs. When they see a big clump of salamander eggs they can’t help themselves but to eat them all! Well, our vernal pool friends don’t like to become snacks, so they must live in very special places where fish can’t go. You guessed it, vernal pools.

Since vernal pools usually lose their water in the summer, fish can’t live there, making vernal pools a safe place for the wiggliest, Continued on next page

Maine Water Utilities Association, Monday-Tuesday | May 2-3, 2011, 7

Continued from previous page

jiggliest, silliest, slimiest creatures in the forest to raise their babies.

Here are two animals that you can find in vernal pools:

Wood Frogs...

• grow to be 3-6 inches long • have bodies that are tan to dark brown, with distinctive dark mask-like markings around the eyes and white bellies • have two ridges that run down the back and brown stripes on both the legs and back • produce 300 to 1,500 eggs, each with baby tadpole in the center • lay many egg masses in one night, all

near each other • make a noise that can easily be mistaken for a duck’s quack

Spotted Salamanders…

• are generally 6-9 inches long • have bodies that are blue-ish black • have irregularly shaped yellow or lightblue spots on their backs that run from head to tail • lay one or more egg masses of 30 to 600 eggs; egg masses can be clear or opaque white and are surrounded with a jelly-like protective layer; each egg contains a black/brown or gold baby salamander • can live to be 20 years old

Water has a mind of its own.

Make a JELL-O-mander!

Materials: Salamander stencil (cut out the one below to use as a guide) Spoon Bowl Self-seal sandwich bags Cookie sheet Scissors Wax paper cut into squares large enough to cover stencil For each different color salamander you’ll need: 1 1/2c. Apple juice 1 3 oz. pkg. Jell-o (a mixture of purple and red looks the most realistic) 1 envelope unflavored gelatin 5 ice cubes Yellow or blue M&Ms or sprinkles

Cut out this salamander stencil and place it underneath your wax-paper squares. If you want BIG JELL-O-manders, have an adult photocopy it and make it larger!

Directions: 1. Heat half the apple juice in a small pan.

2. Add flavored gelatin and stir until dissolved.

3. Pour remaining juice in a bowl, sprinkle with unflavored gelatin, and stir.

4. Pour cool mixture over hot and add ice cubes. Stir until most of the ice is melted.

5. Refrigerate about 20 minutes until mixture is the texture of pudding.

6. Pour 1/2 of mixture into sandwich bags.

Seal bag, leaving corner of bag open.

7. Cover salamander stencil with waxed paper square and slowly squeeze Jell-o from the bag to fill in the salamander.

8. Decorate with yellow spots and remove from stencil. Repeat.

9. Chill 2 hours and enjoy some jiggly JELL-O-manders!

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Tricky? Yes. Powerful? Very.

Uncontrollable? Hardly.

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8, Monday-Tuesday | May 2-3, 2011, Maine Water Utilities Association

The business benefits from public water regulation

By Andy Tolman, Assistant Director MAINE CDC DRINKING WATER PROGRAM

We take it for granted that when we turn on the tap, our water will taste good and be safe and healthful. The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, implemented by the Maine Drinking Water Program and nearly 2,000 public water systems, ensures that our confidence in drinking-water safety is wellfounded.

Public water systems range from large municipal systems, like Portland and Bangor Water Districts, to businesses with their own wells. However a business gets its water, regulations provide a foundation for the safe location, construction, and management of drinking water. The DWP helps businesses locate safe and protected wells away from potential contaminants, and provides for regular testing to assure that their water is safe to drink.

DWP staff visits a public water system every three to five years to review its opera-

tions and provide feedback on improvement opportunities. DWP also reviews water-quality testing to help the system attain standards for safe drinking water.

The DWP also provides small grants, improvement loans, and technical assistance to help solve drinking-water problems.

The DWP works with Maine Rural Water Association, funding ‘circuit riders’ who are available to help troubleshoot system problems.

The DWP works with the MRWA, MWUA, Water Operators

Board, and others to educate and train for system operations and maintenance. Larger water systems employ licensed operators to maintain their treatment and distribution systems. The DWP and Water Operators Board provide examination, licensing, and performance review to maintain high-quality drinking water. Most small business systems are straightforward enough that the owner can perform basic maintenance and sampling, with assistance from the DWP and our partners.

We also work with towns to help them plan for safe drinking

water. Since most land-use decisions are made at the town level, and because landuse choices determine whether we’re able to provide safe drinking water, this outreach is an important service. Careful location and management of waste disposal, petroleum storage, and industrial operations help protect aquifers so they can be used for water supply. Well-planned and -managed land use in drinking-water watersheds helps lakes stay clean and clear, and minimizes water cost for municipal customers.

We work with many partners, including Maine Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials, to help towns understand how their land-use decisions influence the water we drink. We also work with water systems, towns, and county and state emergencymanagement staff to help them prepare for and respond to unexpected events. Good planning helps water systems cope with extreme weather, vandalism, and other incidents that might otherwise make it difficult or impossible for them to provide safe drinking water.

Maine Water Utilities Association, Monday-Tuesday | May 2-3, 2011, 9

What you should know

Boil-water orders are used to keep people from getting sick from bacteria and other germs in their drinking water. Usually it’s due to flooding, broken water lines, power failures, water treatment failures, or pumping difficulties. During a boil-water order, people should boil their tap water before using it for drinking and other uses like cooking, brushing teeth, and making coffee. Public water systems (such as water districts, mobile-home parks, nursing homes, schools, restaurants, and motels) on boil-water orders must notify their consumers when an order has been issued and take steps to correct the water problem.

Here’s what you should do if your water supply is on a boilwater order.

1. Boil water for one minute at a rolling boil for: • all drinking water • water used to make beverages such as tea, coffee, and juice • water from the refrigerator dispenser • brushing your teeth • your pet’s water bowl • making ice cubes or preparing food • rinsing foods • other consumption purposes 2. A disinfection “rinse” can be created to rinse dishes and hands.

Add one teaspoon of unscented chlorine bleach to one gallon of

about boil-water orders

water. Washed dishes should be rinsed, because dishwasher temperatures vary and it is difficult to determine if a sufficient temperature is reached to kill bacteria.

3. Stay Informed.

Public Water Systems will take steps to correct the water problem and will notify consumers when the Boil Water Order has been lifted. A Boil Water Order will be lifted once water tests show the water is safe to drink. If you are in doubt, or have questions, contact your Public Water Supplier.

How do you prepare your family for water emergencies that require a water order? Simple…

• Have plenty of bottled water on hand for emergencies.

• Stock up on disposable dishes, silverware, paper towels.

• Purchase hand sanitizer.

• Have an extra container of unscented bleach handy.

Other Water Orders “Do Not Drink” Order: A “do not drink” order is used in cases of chemical or other severe contamination. The water can be used but not for consumption. Do not drink or consume water in any form until you have been notified that the Do Not Drink Order has been cancelled.

“Do Not Use” Order. A “do not use” order may indicate serious chemical contamination, and you should not use water for any reason until the order is lifted and your system has been flushed.

10, Monday-Tuesday | May 2-3, 2011, Maine Water Utilities Association

There’s more to municipal water than you might expect

By David M. Fitzpatrick BANGOR DAILY NEWS

You turn on the tap, and the water comes out. It’s that easy, right? Actually, it’s far more complex than that. Here’s an overview of what happens to water on the way to your house.

Infrastructure

First, to have any sort of water infrastructure, many municipalities rely on the Maine Municipal Bond Bank (see MMBB’s ad on page 8), which has provided lowcost capital funds to Maine municipalities, school systems, water and sewer districts, and other entities since its creation in 1972.

The governor appoints a board of commissioners to administer the MMBB, which, through its highly rated tax-exempt bonds, provides cost-effective financing programs. Water-oriented programs include the General Bond Resolution Program; the Clean Water SRF Program, created with the Clean Water Act of 1972, and in cooperation with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection; and the Drinking Water SRF Program, created with the Drinking Water Act of 1996 and also in cooperation with the Maine DEP. Without the MMBB, many municipalities could not afford improvements to their water-based infrastructures.

Filtration

Most municipal water comes from natural sources, such as lakes,

BANGOR DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOS

Underground pipes break all the time across Maine, and must be quickly repaired to ensure customers have the water they need for everyday living. People don’t often think about where their water comes from or how much work goes into making it happen. Above left: In August 2006, Lincoln Water District workers Jeffrey Day (left), Byron Delano (center) and David Emery prepare a replacement pipe for fitting in the ground off Route 2 where a water main break deprived many district customers of clean water Tuesday. Above right: In April 2009, Ellsworth Water Department workers repair a broken water main at the corner of Main and State streets in downtown Ellsworth on Thursday morning. Traffic was being re-routed through and around downtown Ellsworth while the intersection was closed. City officials issued a boil-water order for some downtown water customers.

mountain runoffs, or other watersheds. They pump the water into stations, filter and clean it, and in Maine perhaps no company has been more at the forefront than CDM (see CDM’s ad on page 12).

Formed in 1947 when one of its co-founders left the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it’s now a company with global reach. But since it first served clients in Maine in the 1950s with water-filtration systems, it has grown dramatically and branched out into many other areas. But some of those Maine clients are still clients today, and CDM offers a broad range of services to the water industry, includ-

Prestressed Concrete Water Storage Tanks 631631-231231-8100 www.preload.com Katie Vandenbergh, District Sales Manager

ing water and wastewater. And it still provides filtration equipment to Maine municipalities today.

That’s just one example of the wide range of water-based services CDM provides.

Storage After filtering, water is stored in tanks. Tanks might sound easy enough; you build them and fill them. But maintaining them requires ongoing work. Tanks must be free of contaminants, and issues of biological problems must be dealt with. Utility Service is the largest provider of full-service tank-management programs in

the nation.

Utility Service (see US’s ad on page 9) has representatives across the U.S., with a strong showing in the Northeast. It covers most of the lower 48 with 40 representatives. Based in Perry, Ga., the company was formed in 1963, and in 1985 introduced its full-service tank-maintenance program, through which US can assume all risk and responsibility — very different from typical maintenance plans, which involves shared risk.

US uses proven programs and develops innovative products and services for potable-water-quality management.

PORTABLE EQUIPMENT

Pipes

Once the water leaves the tanks, it travels through pipes to your home or business. Where do they come from? From suppliers like E.J. Prescott (see EJP’s ad on page 7), which has been in the business since it began tapping water mains out of Gardiner in 1955 — the first such waterworks distributor north of Massachusetts.

Today, EJP offers a huge array of water-related services that helps keep Maine’s municipal water flowing. Coring, drilling, tapping, See MUNICIPAL, Page 12

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Maine Water Utilities Association, Monday-Tuesday | May 2-3, 2011, 11

Girl Scouts discover ‘WOW’ factor: Wonders of Water

Girl Scouts across Maine are discovering the “WOW” factor — with help from water and wastewater facilities. WOW stands for the Wonders of Water, a Girl Scout Journey aimed at the wise use of water resources.

Girl Scouts of Maine has partnered with Maine water and wastewater office staffers to match troops with utility personnel across the state so they can explore where water comes from and where it goes, as well as potential careers within the utility fields.

More than a dozen water and wastewater plants — from Caribou and Madawaska to Lisbon and Brunswick — are offering girls facilities tours and the chance to interact with their staffs.

For example, at a troop meeting held at the Belfast Water District, the staff will offer some of the utility’s history as well as information on current operations. “It’s important for girls to know that office work often involves math and science,” said Cindy Clements, administrative assistant for the utility.

Girls touring the Winterport Water District will discover that Meg Muller not only runs the business office but is also a Class II drinking water operator who performs daily lab analyses for the drinking water and wastewater operations.

In some cases following their tour, the girls will develop relatPHOTOS BY GARY STEVENS, YORK WATER DISTRICT ed service projects for the utilities, such as posters and brochures Above: Girl Scouts on a watershed tour. Right: Girl Scouts about water use and protection of water resources. attending Camp Pondicherry in Bridgton enjoy a spin For today’s girls, reversing environmental threats and improvaround the lake. Below: Girl Scouts from Troop 3067 paring quality of life will be the work of their generation. If you’re a ticipating in beach-cleanup activities.

Girl Scout, you start where you live. Through innovative programs, Girl Scouts of Maine is helping girls discover environmental sciences and connect with conservationists, community leaders, and each other to make the world a better place.

Girl Scouts of Maine provides services and support to over 16,000 girls and adults statewide. For more information on Girl Scout programs or to volunteer, visit www.GirlScoutsOfMaine.org.

12, Monday-Tuesday | May 2-3, 2011, Maine Water Utilities Association

Agamenticus

Municipal

Continued from Page 2

Continued from Page 10

soil are carried into the watershed, contaminating drinking water.

Sediment deposited in vernal pools can smother frog and salamander eggs, killing them.

The Mount Agamenticus Conservation Crew and many dedicated volunteers work year-round to improve and maintain trail conditions. Their work includes creating water bars, drainages, and dirt dips in an effort to keep water off the trails. These techniques help minimize erosion effects. You can help us protect habitat and water quality by staying on marked trails, respecting trail-use designations, walking bikes through wet areas, and staying off the trails during muddy seasons or when they’re wet.

The natural dynamic that exists at Mount Agamenticus can be seen in watersheds throughout Maine. All water quality begins at the headwaters, and natural and manmade forces can affect it.

Recognition of these forces, and ways that we can minimize their impact, will go a long way to a sustainable and healthy water supply. After all, we all live downstream.

fabricating, leak detection and audits, manhole vacuum testing, meter and backflow services, sewer line air testing, trenchless technology — and that’s just some of what the company does. That’s quite an array of things that most urban Mainers probably don’t consider when they turn on their faucets.

EJP has spent most of its history expanding throughout New England, often acquiring related companies.

The company’s goal: to continue providing the industry’s finest water, sewer, drain, and gas products, backed by its exceptional level of service.

The Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region contains 10,000 acres of conservation land set amidst the largest expanse of coastal forest between Acadia and New Jersey. State, local, and non-profit landowners are working together to protect this land and to balance wildlife and water quality along with human activity. For more information, visit www.agamenticus.org.

two companies also provide a wide array of related services, including digging and installing new pipes.

Networking & Education

Repair And fixing pipes doesn’t have to mean digging everything up. Ted Berry Trenchless Technologies of Livermore (see Berry’s ad on page 9) and Enterprise Trenchless Technologies of Lisbon Falls (see ETT’s ad on page 8) offer the ability to insert liners within old pipes to fix them from the inside — without putting shovel to the earth. In a state with ageing pipe infrastructure, this can be a costeffective solution for repairing cracked, broken, or wornout pipes, including joints. Consider the labor and time involved in digging up pipes, and the money municipalities can save using a neat, high-tech method like this. The

That’s the basics of how municipal water gets to your house, but it takes a pair of organizations to bring it all together. One is the Maine Water Utilities Association, which connects water and sewer providers with each other, but the scope of those services clearly goes beyond our own state. For that, there’s the New England Water Works Association (see NEWWA’s ad on page 3, a Massachusetts not-for-profit in operation since 1882.

NEWWA is the leading authority on education, training opportunities, and public outreach to protect and improve drinking water and water utility operations, with a mission to promote public health, safety, quality of life, and environmental stewardship through its programs and activities. It seeks to increase public awareness and confidence in tap water.

Today, its 2,900 members include water-utility managers, operators, consulting engineers, manufacturers’ representatives, suppliers, and educators, as well as interested citizens.

For Maine water utilities, NEWWA represents a vital connection to the knowledge, experience, and education of its 2,900 members — particularly in a field that is always changing, and far more complex than many of us might think.

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CDM is proud to support the Maine Water Utilities Association and their efforts to promote exceptional drinking water for the citizens of Maine.

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