Is Alfred, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.3/100
waterverge.com Alfred, ME — Water Quality Report
Alfred's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,264 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 62 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Alfred's water
Alfred ranks #138 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Alfred relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Alfred may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alfred, ME water safe to drink?
Alfred's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,264 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alfred
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alfred's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.3/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4647). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alfred's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Alfred's water system has 62 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
York County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Mousam River At Route 4 Near Sanford, Maine, Mousam River Near West Kennebunk, Maine, Branch Brook Near Kennebunk, Maine.
Where does Alfred's water come from?
Alfred's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,264 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mousam River At Route 4 Near Sanford, Maine (river), Mousam River Near West Kennebunk, Maine (river), Branch Brook Near Kennebunk, Maine (river).
What Alfred residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alfred's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Alfred's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Alfred
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Alfred, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POLYVANTIS SANFORD LLC SANFORD, ME04073 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
TOM'S OF MAINE INC SANFORD, ME04073 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
EXPANDED RUBBER PRODUCTS INC SANFORD, ME04073 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtYork County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
York County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Alfred's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 4.30 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alfred compares by contaminant
Explore where Alfred ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alfred's water comes from
Alfred's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,264 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Alfred
Alfred is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Alfred
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALFRED WATER DISTRICT | ME0090020 | 783 | GW |
| KEYWOOD MANOR MHP LLC | ME0009644 | 411 | GW |
| YORK COUNTY SHELTERS | ME0020883 | 70 | GW |
How Alfred compares
Full Maine rankings →Alfred's score of 72.3/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Alfred, ME
Wikipedia →Alfred is a town in York County, Maine, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 3,073. Alfred is the seat of York County, and home to part of the Massabesic Experimental Forest. National Register of Historic Places has two listings in the town, the Alfred Historic District, with 48 houses, and the Alfred Shaker Historic District.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alfred's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across York
Frequently asked questions
Is Alfred, ME tap water safe to drink?
Alfred's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #138 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Alfred's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 62 violations are on record.
How is Alfred's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Alfred?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alfred's water come from?
Alfred's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,264 residents.
What health violations has Alfred's water system had?
Alfred has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Alfred's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alfred uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 62 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Alfred's water compare to other cities?
Alfred ranks #138 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 18% of state cities) and #10395 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.