Did you know that the water you are drinking at your Cape Elizabeth home today resulted from a decision which was prompted by a boy playing with fireworks on Commercial Street in Portland on July 4, 1866?

Did you know that there is no physical barrier – no filter – between Sebago Lake, where your drinking water comes from, and your tap? Do you know how rare this is in the United States?

Do you know why the wastewater from some homes in Cape Elizabeth is treated in South Portland instead of at the wastewater treatment plant on Spurwink Avenue? Do you know what the structure is that is being constructed adjacent to Back Cove in Portland and how it will result in a cleaner Casco Bay when it is finished? And do you know why a structure like that is not needed in Cape Elizabeth?

You can learn more about these facts and many others about the history of our water systems from Cape resident Paul Hunt. Paul recently celebrated his 25th year working for the Portland Water District. He has pulled together many old photographs and some old stories about how, when and why the drinking water and wastewater systems we use today were constructed. There is triumph, tragedy, and ingenuity in these stories of the people and places that make up our water history.

Light refreshments will be provided.