PWD Board of Trustees approve $63.8 million operating budget

The budget reinforces PWD’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment by delivering first-rate water services and prioritizes infrastructure improvements, operational excellence, and customer-focused initiatives.

“Our 2025 budget reflects our unwavering commitment to providing dependable, high-quality water services while making strategic investments in infrastructure and technology,” said General Manager Chris Crovo. “By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and customer support, we continue to deliver on our mission to protect public health and the environment.”

Ensuring Dependable Operations

Investments in PWD’s critical infrastructure, which includes 430,000 assets, are necessary to ensure dependable and optimally performing operations. Despite rising operational costs, such as electricity and supplies, PWD is committed to containing costs while maintaining the quality and reliability customers expect. Beginning January 1, 2025, water rates increased on average 5.9%, raising the typical residential customer’s bill by $1.49 a month. Public notice and meetings were held in November.

Investing in People and Technology

The budget sustains investments in technology solutions for knowledge management and multi-skill development incentives to enhance operational efficiency. It also prioritizes advancements in cybersecurity and safety measures, ensuring the resilience and protection of critical infrastructure and operations.

Supporting Customers

PWD is committed to meeting customer needs by providing financial assistance through lifeline water rates, ensuring water affordability for those who need it most.ice@pwd.org.

Key Highlights

Operating Budget: $63.8 million, reflecting a $3.7 million (6.2%) increase over 2024.

Revenue Projections: Total revenues of $65.2 million, including a 5.9% average water rate increase effective January 1, 2025, and wastewater assessments aligned with revised municipal expectations.

Capital Investments: $54.5 million commitment to ongoing infrastructure improvements, including:

  • Water Main Renewals
  • Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Project to install new water meters, set for completion by 2028.
  • North Windham Wastewater Treatment Facility: Construction continues with an anticipated start-up in early 2026.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2025 BUDGET AND CAPITAL PROJECTS

Winter is here – Protect Your Pipes!

Maine’s freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your home’s water system. Avoid the stress of frozen pipes and meters by taking simple precautions now!

  • Know where your water shut-off valve is located.
  • Disconnect outdoor hoses and drain external fixtures.
  • Insulate pipes in unheated areas.
  • Patch cracks in walls and windows near pipes.
  • If you’re away, drain pipes and monitor for heat loss.
  • If a pipe freezes, safely thaw it with a hairdryer or warm water—never use an open flame!
MORE COLD WEATHER TIPS

PWD advances public health through wastewater surveillance

Since July 2020, the Portland Water District has been supporting the public health sector through wastewater epidemiology sampling at its Westbrook and Portland facilities. Initially launched in collaboration with the Maine CDC and Saint Joseph’s College to track COVID-19, the program now monitors a range of pathogens, including RSV, norovirus, influenza, and avian flu (H5), through a nationwide, philanthropically funded program.

In partnership with WastewaterSCAN, a science-based nonprofit based at Stanford University, PWD provides publicly accessible data that the Maine CDC integrates into its outreach and response strategies.

Wastewater-based epidemiology has proven to be a cost-effective and reliable method for tracking infectious diseases. PWD is proud to contribute to this essential effort, helping to protect and inform our community.

For more information and to explore seasonal trends, visit WastewaterScan.org.

WASTEWATERSCAN.ORG
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225 Douglass Street, PO BOX 3553, Portland, ME 04104

Portland Water District | 225 Douglass St. PO Box 3553 | Portland, ME 04104-3553 US

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