SURFACE AND STORM WATER DISPOSAL NOTICE

The Waldoboro Utility District would like to remind all customers that sump pumps and downspouts should not be discharged into the wastewater system. The detrimental impacts of surface and storm water disposal into the wastewater system are numerous, and result in increasing costs for the District, such as:

• Additional electricity demand which results in cost increases, where wet months can increase electricity pricing an average of 30% per month
• The potential to compromise the necessary bacteria needed to breakdown wastewater in the Lagoons, as too much fresh water can kill the bacteria off
• Additional wear and tear on the wastewater system, which could shorten the lifespan and longevity of critical equipment, requiring replacement sooner than expected and budgeted

WUD is investing in new technology which will be able to pinpoint excessive inflows into the wastewater system, allowing us to address and reduce these inflows in hopes of saving customers the additional cost and unnecessary wear and tear on the wastewater system.

The Maine State Plumbing Code prohibits surface and storm water disposal in wastewater systems, public and private, and requires surface and storm waters to be discharged separately into the soil. More information on how surface and storm waters can be appropriately discharged can be found on the maine.gov website. You can also reach out to the office at (207) 832-0422 or via email at info@wudme.org, and we’d be happy to assist in locating the information needed, or reach out to Mark Stults, Code Enforcement Office and Licensed Plumbing Inspector at the Town Office, by calling 207-832-5369 ex. 8 or emailing him at ceo@waldoboromaine.org.

We’re Here to Help

If you are facing financial difficulties with paying your wastewater bill and you qualify, there are programs which can help.

• Waldoboro residents can apply for assistance by contacting the CLC YMCA Community Navigator Karen-Ann Hagar-Smith for the Waldoboro at the Town Office (207) 832-5369 x 308 or (207) 403-4116 to see if you qualify for additional assistance. More information can be found www.waldoboromaine.org.

Additionally, customers can make payments in any amount on their account, whether weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or even annually. Your account will be credited when your payment is received in good order, and any amount owed will be deducted from the credit amount during the billing cycle. There is no minimum payment amount. You will continue to receive billing statements so that you can monitor your balance.

 Please reach out to our office if you need assistance at (207) 832-0422.

Do Not Flush!

• Wipes (even if labeled flushable)
• Baby wipes
• Fats
• Oils
• Grease
• Feminine hygiene products
• Condoms
• Tissues
• Floss
• Band Aids
• Cotton balls
• Cotton Swabs
• Kitty Litter
• Food waste
• Coffee grinds
• Egg shells
• Cigarette butts
• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Plastic gloves/face masks
• Other general garbage

Always dispose of these items in a trash can. It can save you from dealing with messy, costly sewage backups in your home caused by blockages in your lateral line. It can also help prevent sewage overflows caused by blockages in WUD’s sewer lines and harm the environment.

Flushable Wipes Insert

Due to the recently clogged pumps at River Pump Station, the following communication from the District to customers was the below insert, which was mailed with quarterly billing statements in February 2023:

”The Waldoboro Utility District would like to remind all customers and residents that flushable wipes do not break down in time to be processed by the wastewater system, which results in the wipes clogging essential pipes and pumps. The repairs needed to unclog the system are costly and time consuming, and avoidable if we ensure only toilet paper is flushed. We strongly encourage all residents to heed this reminder as the District is operating with a very tight budget, and any unexpected expenses could result in a rate increase, something we all hope to avoid.”

Lien Statements Mailing Notice

On September 15, 2022, the Board of Trustees agreed unanimously to begin sending regular quarterly statements to all lien holders regarding their lien accounts. This is to assist lien holders in making payments, whether online or via cash/check, as well as so they can better monitor the balance and interest charges. Once the lien balance is paid in full, a Discharge of Sewer Lien will be issued and the lien discharged, resulting in no longer receiving lien account billing statements.

If you have any questions or concerns, and/or would like to receive a Payment Installment Form to set up a payment plan, please reach out to our office at  (207) 832-0422 or email at info@wudme.org.