Joint message from the Maine Waste Water Control Association and the Maine Water Utilities Association

Dear Reader,

The Maine Water Utilities Association and the Maine Waste Water Control Association is pleased to present this joint informational supplement to highlight the efforts of Maine’s drinking water and wastewater industries to provide safe drinking water and protect Maine’s water resources through proper wastewater treatment and management, respectively.

The Maine Water Utilities Association represents a majority of the state’s 150 water utilities. Collectively, we total 1.3 billion dollars’ worth of assets, generate 120 million dollars of annual revenue, serve 750,000 Mainers and maintain over 5,000 miles of water main infrastructure. We are involved in all aspects of water industry operations, from setting up training and education opportunities for water system operators, to advocating for the water supply industry in legislative and regulatory matters.

The Maine Waste Water Control Association has over 625 operators, scientists, engineers, and other professionals for whom water quality is their main concern. We are on the front line of keeping the waters of Maine clean through our operation of sewer systems and wastewater treatment facilities and represent facilities in all corners of the state.

Both the water and wastewater industries face many ongoing challenges in meeting the needs of its customers. Finding and allocating sufficient resources to address infrastructure needs, maintaining rate structures that are fair and predictable, developing human resources, meeting ever-increasing regulatory requirements, effectively communicating with our customers and maintaining a strong level of trust. All these issues are important — we are all committed to meet these challenges now, and in the future.

Together, Maine’s drinking water and wastewater industries provide essential services to your quality of life. We strive to maintain public health and welfare, protect the environment, and provide the water and wastewater facilities needed for economic development in our state. We hope you enjoy this supplement and see just how much — Water’s Worth It.