The Portland Water District is a quasi-municipality agency that provides water, wastewater and related environmental services. It serves a population of more than 190,000 people in over 10 communities in Greater Portland. The district operates public relations and information, financial services, information technology, wastewater engineering and customer service departments. The Portland Water District also operates water distribution and construction, environmental services, facilities, industrial pretreatment, and regulations and water resources security departments. It operates a laboratory for Wastewater treatment. The district maintains a staff of more than 190 employees. The district distributes potable water to fire protection systems, homes and businesses. Established in 1862, the Portland Water District is located in Portland, Maine.