RAYMOND — “Protecting our Waterways: A Panel Discussion” will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hawthorne House in Raymond. 

Sebago and Lake Region waterways are among the cleanest in the State of Maine and New England. Portland Water District water quality is rated “excellent.” Sebago Lake is the drinking water for the City of Portland and has the unique distinction of a legal exemption from the filtration requirement of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Given the growth of the region, how can we protect the water quality now and into the future?

What role do government agencies, municipalities, commercial and residential property owners and users of our waterways play to protect water quality?  

A panel of waterway experts will discuss water biology, ecology, property owner responsibility and governance as it relates to maintaining the health of waterways here in the Lake Region. The panel will include: Nathan Whalen, Water Resources Specialist, Portland Water District; Wendy Garland, Division Director for Environmental Assessment: ME DEP, Water Bureau; Jess Fay and Tim Nangle, Maine House and Senate Representatives; and Alex Sirois, Town of Raymond Code Enforcement.

This is a community event hosted by Hawthorne House in Raymond. There is no fee for attending; however, donations to the restoration fund for Hawthorne House are appreciated. Refreshments will be served.