Stop 4: The Saco River's Ecosystem

An ecosystem is defined as a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Too often, we see ourselves as something separate from that ecosystem — but we're an integral part of these systems, and a functioning ecosystem is necessary for our own survival.

Just upstream of the dam, Maine Water Company's new water plant provides drinking water to ~43,000 people throughout Biddeford, Saco, Scarborough, and Old Orchard Beach.

Annually, the plant provides ~1.5 billion gallons of water to customers — roughly 4 million gallons per day. All of which is tested for emerging contaminants as well as the required testing to meet EPA and Maine Drinking Water Program standards.

To date, no PFAS chemicals have been detected in the raw water intake at the Biddeford/Saco plant.

Aside from the drinking water supply, the Saco River's waters are also used by breweries and other businesses along the Saco River — making it as much of a contributor to the economy of the region as it was historically.

Continued partnerships and protection plans help ensure the Saco River's quality can be maintained for future generations.