South Portland Gardens
South Portland Gardens, ME water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
With about 23,893 residents, South Portland Gardens ranks as the 6th-largest city in Maine and a small but growing city. Water in South Portland Gardens is sourced chiefly from rivers, lakes, and groundwater, the backbone of Maine's supply.
The defining water pressure here mirrors the state's: pfas contamination. Maine has been a national focal point for PFAS contamination, particularly on farmland spread with biosolids.
Statewide, Maine recycles about 3% of its wastewater with minimal reuse programs. Locally, South Portland Gardens faces abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions.
The Maine state profile covers the regional supply outlook; the issues below detail what's driving South Portland Gardens's water future.
At a glance
- Population ~23,893 (6th-largest in Maine)
- Primary sources: rivers, lakes, and groundwater
- Drought: abnormally dry to moderate conditions
- State reuse rate: ~3% of wastewater
Statewide drought history
% of Maine in severe+ drought (Moderate (D1) now).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Common questions
Is tap water safe in South Portland Gardens?
South Portland Gardens is served by community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Statewide, 22.6% of Maine's systems have a recent health-based violation. Check your provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report for local results.
Where does South Portland Gardens get its water?
South Portland Gardens draws from the same regional sources that serve Maine: rivers, lakes, groundwater.
Related water issues
PFAS Contamination
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances persist in water supplies for decades. New federal limits are forcing utilities nationwide to invest in advanced treatment.
ExploreAging Infrastructure
Much of America's water infrastructure is decades past its design life, leaking trillions of gallons a year and demanding hundreds of billions in reinvestment.
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