Ensuring a reliable, high-quality water supply is a top priority for the City of Ellsworth. The current Clearwater Way water treatment plant, which pumps safe and drinkable water from the Branch Lake Reservoir, is aging and needs replacement. In 2020, the City issued a Water Treatment Plant Engineering RFP, awarding the contract to Woodard & Curran. Now in the preliminary design phase, the new water treatment plant is set to meet the highest standards of water quality and distribution for our community.
While the new plant is under development, the Clearwater Way facility remains fully operational, with the Ellsworth Water Department dedicated to maintaining optimal water quality and best practices.
Did you receive a notice in the mail?
Click the image to enlarge.
Ellsworth water customers recently received a notice and detailed information sheet from the Maine Drinking Water Program and the City of Ellsworth, outlining recent test results for disinfection by-products (DBPs) in the treated drinking water supply.
This notice is to inform customers located in the High Street Area, near Myrick Street (see map of highlighted area), that our water system currently does not meet the drinking water standard for Total Trihalomethanes (THMs). THMs are disinfection by-products that can form in water systems treated with chlorine. The city has issued similar notifications in the past regarding THM levels exceeding the standard. While this is not an emergency, and the water is safe to drink, we want you to be fully informed about what has happened, what you can do, and the steps we are taking to resolve the issue. In the following sections, you will find further information on the city’s water monitoring and process to improve our water system.
Drinking Water Workshop
How does the City treat drinking water to meet safety standards?
Ellsworth follows rigorous water quality testing protocols in accordance with state and federal regulations. The water is tested for various contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, disinfection byproducts, and other substances. Regular testing is conducted at multiple points throughout the water treatment and distribution system to ensure safety and compliance with EPA standards. Test results are recorded and made available in annual reports to the public. [LINK]
Read the 2023 Consumer Confidence Report.
What organization oversees the Ellsworth Water department water quality?
Water quality in Ellsworth is monitored by the Ellsworth Water Department and regulated by the Maine Drinking Water Program (part of Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These agencies enforce stringent standards for drinking water safety and quality. Additionally, Ellsworth performs routine internal audits and participates in regular inspections to maintain compliance and transparency.
How are Disinfection By-Products created in the water supply and what are they?
- Disinfectants are added to drinking water to protect the public from pathogens and viruses.
- DBPs are formed when disinfectants react with naturally occurring materials in the water.
- People are exposed to DBPs by drinking Chlorine disinfected water.
Although disinfection is crucial for killing harmful pathogens, the EPA regulates DBP levels to keep them within acceptable limits. Ellsworth closely monitors DBP levels as part of its water quality control process to ensure that drinking water remains safe for consumption.
Additional Resources and Fact Sheets Disinfections Byproducts
What is the history of the current water treatment plant, and why are we building a new one?
The current Clearwater Way Water Treatment Plant has been serving Ellsworth residents since 1990. While it has reliably provided safe drinking water, the facility’s infrastructure is aging and no longer meets modern standards for efficiency and resilience. In 2010, an ultraviolet light system, which augments the disinfection process, was installed to help mitigate DBP levels.
Our increasing businesses and population growth in Ellsworth, increases the draw on the water infrastructure and capacity levels of the current water treatment plant are nearing total daily limits. The decision to build a new treatment plant reflects the City’s commitment to sustainable, high-quality water supply. It will feature advanced technology to improve water quality, reduce maintenance, and support Ellsworth’s continued growth.
What should I do if I have a concern or question about my city provided drinking water?
If you have any concerns or questions about your drinking water, please reach out to the Ellsworth Water Department at 207-667-8632. Our team is available to address questions about water quality, provide testing information, and assist with any specific concerns you may have. Additionally, we encourage residents to review our annual Consumer Confidence Report, which offers detailed insights into water safety and testing results.
What is the timeline for the new Water Treatment Plant?
The new Water Treatment Plant is currently in the preliminary design phase. Updates on specific phases will be shared with the public at the public information meeting in December 2024.
How will the new plant address water quality and DBPs?
The new plant is designed with advanced treatment technologies to improve water quality and ensure consistent compliance with all state and federal regulations.
Building a new Water Treatment Plant will help reduce DBPs by:
- Implementing treatment techniques that will reduce organic materials in water that react with chlorine to form DBPs.
- Implementing treatment techniques that will reduce chlorine doses needed at the plant.
How can I stay updated on the progress?
To stay informed, you can follow project updates on the City of Ellsworth’s website and sign up for our newsletter. We will also share updates at public meetings and post progress reports on our social media channels. Additionally, major project milestones will be communicated through press releases and community announcements.