HARTLAND – Consumers Maine Water Co. is close to completing $2.6 million of improvements to its Hartland Division water system. On or around Friday, Nov. 15, a new groundwater source at Pittsfield Avenue, composed of two wells, a pump station and treatment facility, will replace the Starbird Pond source.

The new source is filtered and treated to remove iron and manganese before it is delivered to customers and provides for the introduction of fluoride to help promote dental health. In addition, a new 500,000-gallon storage tank and more than 12,000 feet of new main have been installed. All these upgrades will improve water quality, service, water pressure and public fire protection.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission has approved a 74.7 percent increase in water rates effective Friday, Nov. 15, which equates to a $124,714 increase in total revenue. Customers will see the new rates partially reflected in their quarterly bills in December. From that point on, all customers will be billed monthly, starting with January 2003 bills. For an average residential customer, a monthly bill at the new rate would be $30.84.

Customers with questions about water service or bills should call (800) 287-1643.