Sebago Clean Waters

Sebago Clean Waters (SCW) is a coalition of conservation organizations, the Portland Water District, and business partners working collaboratively to protect the Sebago Lake watershed. Sebago Lake is the drinking water supply for Greater Portland and serves over 200,000 people, or one-sixth of Maine residents. Sebago Lake is so pure it does not require filtration before treatment—one of only 50 surface drinking water supplies in the country that meet this standard.

Currently, 84% of the 234,000-acre watershed is forested, serving as a natural filter for the lake. These extensive forests also provide recreational opportunities, fish and wildlife habitat, extreme-weather buffers, and economic benefits. However, only 15% of these woodlands are currently conserved and this region is at high risk of development. SCW formed in 2017 around a shared vision of permanently conserving at least 25% of the forestland in the watershed to protect drinking water and the many other benefits this diverse and abundant area provides. Our belief that cooperation, collaboration, and respect make for lasting connections between nature and community guides us in our work to protect this precious place now and for future generations.