In 1922 the Portland Water District contracted the Bennett Contracting Company to lay 16 inch submarine pipe from Portland to South Portland, connecting the two cities. The goal was to improve water service to South Portland.

This submarine project was considered a model of modern municipal engineering. Sections of pipe were connected, leaded, and caulked above water then "shot" into place below water. Previously, the method for laying underground pipe was to lower the pipes into place and then send divers down to caulk the pipe sections, underwater, using leaded wool.