Ice jam in Saco River at plant intakes 1936.
Flood water at Pumping Station 1936.
Flood 1936, note high water mark indicated on door.
Chronology of the 1936 Flood
Wed. March 11th - Snow cover within the Saco River Basin averages nearly four feet with river ice between 16-24 inches. A large rainstorm hits the northeast with about 2.5 inches of rain.Thur. March 12th - The river level goes up one foot overnight. Rainfall continues and totals 4.56 inches at the plant since the storms began. River flow is about 12,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).
Sat. March 14th - Ice along the river is reported still very solid. Flows increase to 17,000 cfs.
Mon. March 16th - Fear of ice jams abound as the ice in the river weakens. Ice jams are reported at Steep Falls, West Buxton, and Bar Mills. Flow is up to 26,000 cfs.
Tues. March 17th - An ice jam at the Bradbury bridge is blasted. Another inch of rain falls overnight and heavy rain is forecasted.
Wed. March 18th - Dynamite is used to blast an ice jam at the Elm St. bridge. More rain is forecast, and the Saco River continues to rise. The fields along the Boom Road in Saco are flooded.
Thur. March 19th - At 1:00 pm the Pumping Station and Filtration Plant of the Biddeford And Saco Water Company is put out of operation due to extreme flood conditions. The river level continues to rise.
Fri. March 20th - The Saco River is higher than the flood of 1896. Residents are warned unfiltered water may need to be used if flood conditions persist.
Sat. March 21st - River is at its all time high, and continues to rise. Flow is immeasurable, but greater than 40,000 cfs. Water Company issues boil order. Fire pumps located at the Pepperell and York mills are pumping untreated river water directly into the distribution system from the river.
Sun. March 22nd - River finally peaks in Biddeford area.
Mon. March 23rd - Water levels begin to fall. Water company announces it will be some time before boil order can be lifted.
Sun. March 29th - Production of filtered water resumes at the Pumping Station. Flushing of the distribution system begins.
Wed. April 8th - Water Company officials announce the water supply is again safe for drinking and lift the 19-day-old boil water order.