Dear Editor:

On Friday, Sept. 5 the Boothbay Region Water District experienced the worst water main failure in recent history, leaving many residents and businesses in Boothbay Harbor temporarily without water pressure. The break occurred on Pear Street and at its height was discharging approximately 30,000 gallons-per-minute.

I apologize to any customers or visitors who went without water, rest assured this was a very unusual event. No matter how well maintained a water distribution system is, and our system is very well maintained, water main breaks are a fact of life; sometimes horrendous breaks. However, due to the quick reactions of key first responders, this water main break did not become a disaster. 

The Boothbay Region Water District thanks the Boothbay Harbor Police, Fire and Public Works Departments as well as the Boothbay Harbor Sewer District for their quick response in containing the scene preventing citizens and visitors injuries while providing critical assistance, especially in the early recovery phase. Their professional efforts did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Next many thanks to Eric Wood Construction for mobilizing at a moment’s notice and assisting with heavy equipment, materials and expertise during the repair and restoration of Pear Street. Their efforts were extremely professional and of the highest quality.

As water district manager, I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to the Boothbay Region Water District distribution and treatment personnel who responded in the middle of the night, quickly stopped the leak and completed repairs in a safe and timely manner, all the while ensuring the highest public health standards and restoring fire protection with the quickest possible speed. A better water district staff you will find nowhere else.

Jonathan E. Ziegra
Manager
Boothbay Region Water District