Documentary explores ‘what happens after the flush’

Wastewater operators at the Portland Water District in Maine have taken center stage in a new documentary that explores the day-to-day life of wastewater treatment.

Called “Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong,” the 73-minute film spotlights the around-the-clock nature of wastewater operations and includes high highs — a new operator passing his license exam — and the low lows — decades-old infrastructure that is prone to mishaps.

“Most people don’t want to think about what happens after the flush,” Alex Wolf Lewis, one of the filmmakers, said in an interview with News Center Maine. “It’s like open-heart surgery. The flow never stops. People in Portland don’t stop peeing, don’t stop pooping. These pumps have been working nonstop. … It’s a very stressful job, actually.”

For two years, filmmakers shadowed Portland Water operators during daily operations.

“It was daunting at first,” said Dustin Price, chief operator of wastewater treatment at Portland Water District, who described the cameras and microphones that surrounded their otherwise behind-the-scenes life. “They collected hundreds and hundreds of hours of film and condensed it … into a very relatable, real story. … It really celebrates the value of an operator.”

Through 2022-2023, filmmakers brought to life the people behind wastewater operations. They captured a months-long process of a new hire preparing for, failing, and ultimately acquiring his operator license. They showed another operator on New Year’s Eve — with the backdrop of the city of Portland celebrating the countdown — alone at the plant, watching the festivities on an iPad, and toasting with grape juice.

“It’s a particularly emotional scene,” Price said. “And just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, his phone rings and it’s his mom to wish him a Happy New Year’s and say that she’s proud of him.

“It’s a human story, and that’s why I think it’s connecting with the public,” he added.

The film already has earned a few awards and has been shown at film festivals across the country, in addition to local showings in Portland.

“It is funny and engaging, and it really does exactly what we hoped it would do: It brings recognition to the folks who are working in these really challenging work environments every day to make it happen because they are proud to provide such a critical service to the community,” said Michelle Clements, Portland Water District director of communications and public relations.

“The film shows the complexity of wastewater treatment and the challenges of working in wastewater, especially dealing with aging infrastructure,” she added.

The idea for the film all started with a public tour; the filmmakers, who are married to each other, toured local plants a few times before approaching Portland Water District with the idea of a documentary.

“Connecting with one or two people can really make such a huge impact,” said Clements, who is also a member of AWWA’s Public Affairs Council. “We have invited the public into our home, so to speak, to see the sometimes messy (but real) life. People can connect to the story, and it is memorable. It’s a real conversation-starter.”

The film is screening in Maine, including at the New England Water Association’s Annual Conference Jan. 25, and California. All screening information is available at the Portland Water District’s website.