The Portland Water Supply

The Portland Water Supply

In a report of the Portland, Me., water supply the following data is given: The present proportions of the distribution system of the Portland water district are well known from the semi-annual reports the directors issue. The present extensive supply was inaugurated nearly fifty years ago. In April, 1867, the Portland Water Co. was organized with Gen. G. F. Shepley, president. Work was started May 4th, 1868, to bring water from Sebago Lake to Portland and in fourteen months the system was completed. The great fire in Portland in 1866 had much to do with completing the system as quickly as possible. The distance from Lake Sebago to the city is 17 miles and the conduit was laid through Standish, Gorham, Village Saccarappa and Stroudwater. The distributing reservoir was constructed on Bramhall hill. The water was taken into a brick conduit one mile long at the lake and 2 feet inside diameter. A 20-inch iron and cement-lined main was then continued to the city. While this line was being constructed the distributing pipe system was laid. It consisted of 18 miles of mains, and owing to the ledges the work was expensive. The system has been improved and extended since its first inception until it now furnishes one of the purest supplies in the country. The lake is 260 feet above tidewater, which furnishes good pressure in the highest parts of the city.

In a report of the Portland, Me., water supply the following data is given: The present proportions of the distribution system of the Portland water district are well known from the semi-annual reports the directors issue. The present extensive supply was inaugurated nearly fifty years ago. In April, 1867, the Portland Water Co. was organized with Gen. G. F. Shepley, president. Work was started May 4th, 1868, to bring water from Sebago Lake to Portland and in fourteen months the system was completed. The great fire in Portland in 1866 had much to do with completing the system as quickly as possible. The distance from Lake Sebago to the city is 17 miles and the conduit was laid through Standish, Gorham, Village Saccarappa and Stroudwater. The distributing reservoir was constructed on Bramhall hill. The water was taken into a brick conduit one mile long at the lake and 2 feet inside diameter. A 20-inch iron and cement-lined main was then continued to the city. While this line was being constructed the distributing pipe system was laid. It consisted of 18 miles of mains, and owing to the ledges the work was expensive. The system has been improved and extended since its first inception until it now furnishes one of the purest supplies in the country. The lake is 260 feet above tidewater, which furnishes good pressure in the highest parts of the city.