Representatives of Fairfield-based Dirigo Engineering previewed the West Paris Water District’s two-year reservoir replacement tank project during a March 9 public hearing.

Engineers Jim Lord and Dan Wells presented updates about the scope of work and fielded questions from the 15 residents and board trustees in attendance at the Town Office.

The water district has operated under a compliance order issued by the Maine Drinking Water Program last fall. But the utility has withstood a series of emergencies that date back two years, including contamination of its drinking water by E.coli when its tank cover was compromised, failure of the systems main and backup pumps that led to the entire system being drained, a recent water main pipe break on Bethel Road, all of which have resulted in multiple boil water orders.

Since 2024 the entire board of trustees has turned over, with operations and administration outsourced to Maine Rural Water Association. 

The compliance order mandates regular operations, including frequent testing, as well as a complete overhaul of its systems and infrastructure.

The water district has until Dec. 31, 2027, to replace a reservoir that dates to the early 1960s and has several leaks in the lining.

The utility has already carried out initial steps in preparation for a new tank, including surveys, cost estimates and contracting with Dirigo Engineering, which will serve as project manager.

The price for a new tank is estimated at $2.64 million. The town has applied for a state Community Development Block Grant of up to $1 million and is pursuing the balance through Maine’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

“The reservoir is our priority focus because of the (MDWP) administrative order,” Wells explained during the hearing. “There are different goal posts to work toward — hiring us; the engineering report card, and also designing the system. By the end of 2027 it needs to be online and operating.”

Design of a new tank system is underway. Options include an elevated concrete or a buried concrete tank. West Paris’ hilly elevation would be difficult for large equipment to access and maneuver. A buried tank will be easier to construct and have better protection from severe weather conditions.

Dirigo Engineering will also factor other necessary considerations into the design, including tank depth, optimal sustained pressure and dual chambers.

The timeline set by the water district and Dirigo Engineering calls for all planning to be done this year, with construction starting early in 2027.

Wells informed attendees of two other major priorities that will likely cost millions. One will be to replace all water lines and the second is to secure a secondary water source.

Wells said the Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst Program provides grants up to $1 million for infrastructure improvements. West Paris is also applying to Maine’s Congressional delegation for funding through congressionally directed programs.

“We have a hydrologist looking at aquifers to see where it’s possible to put in another well,” Wells said. “He’s studying maps and topography and will develop a plan.”

It is possible a second well could tie into the aquifer already in use, if it is feasible to locate it far enough away. Such an allowance would make it possible to tie one pumping system between the two wells.

If surveys determine it necessary to draw water from a separate aquifer, the water district would also have to invest in a secondary pump and additional waterline infrastructure.