In 1922 the Portland Water District contracted the Bennett Contracting Company to lay 16 inch submarine pipe from Portland to South Portland to improve water service to South Portland.

This submarine project was considered a model of modern municipal engineering at the time. Sections of pipe were connected, leaded, and caulked above water then "shot" into place. Previously, divers had to caulk pipe sections underwater using lead wool. This photograph shows pipe sections and the equipment used to put the sections in place.