Maine Water is installing a new $2.5 million storage tank on South Street in Biddeford. The tank is close to completion and is expected to be in service by Dec. 1, according to a press release from the company. The tank replaces a reservoir that has been in the same location since 1885. Due to its age and condition, the reservoir had become a source of substantial water loss. The new storage tank holds 3 million gallons of water. It will play a critical role in maintaining water pressure in the communities’ fire hydrants, and provide key storage of drinking water in case of unusual events. The replacement of this old reservoir was identified as one of the highest priorities in the comprehensive engineering study completed for the company in early 2013. The study identified the need for substantial infrastructure replacement for the water system that serves Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach and parts of Scarborough, much of which is more than 100 years old. In addition to the storage tank, the company has replaced a critical booster station on Barra Road in Biddeford, completed several water main replacement projects, and invested about $2 million in improvements to its treatment plant. A meter replacement program is also underway.