Is Bethel, 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 ↓
78.2/100
waterverge.com Bethel, ME — Water Quality Report
Bethel's drinking water received a grade of B (78.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,813 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.9 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bethel's water
Bethel ranks #110 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bethel 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, Bethel may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bethel, ME water safe to drink?
Bethel's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,813 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bethel
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bethel's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4719). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bethel'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
Bethel's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sagadahoc County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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 Cobbosseecontee Stream At Gardiner, Maine, Kennebec River At Gardiner, Maine.
Where does Bethel's water come from?
Bethel's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,813 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cobbosseecontee Stream At Gardiner, Maine (river), Kennebec River At Gardiner, Maine (stream).
What Bethel residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bethel'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Bethel'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtOxford 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
Sagadahoc County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bethel'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. | 4.9 | 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. | 1.43 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.430 mg/L (2008)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bethel compares by contaminant
Explore where Bethel ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bethel's water comes from
Bethel'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 1,813 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bethel
Bethel is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bethel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BETHEL WATER DISTRICT | ME0090160 | 1,813 | GW |
How Bethel compares
Full Maine rankings →Bethel's score of 78.2/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Bethel, ME
Wikipedia →Richmond is a town in Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,522 at the 2020 census. The town contains the census-designated place of the same name. It is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan area, situated at the head of Merrymeeting Bay.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bethel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oxford
Frequently asked questions
Is Bethel, ME tap water safe to drink?
Bethel's water quality earned a grade of B (78.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #110 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Bethel's water?
Lead was measured at 4.9 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Bethel'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 Bethel?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bethel's water come from?
Bethel's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,813 residents.
Is Bethel's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bethel 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 6 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 Bethel's water compare to other cities?
Bethel ranks #110 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 35% of state cities) and #8764 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bethel's small water system affect quality?
Bethel's system serves approximately 1,813 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 6 violations on record.