Is Bowdoinham, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
90.9/100
waterverge.com Bowdoinham, ME — Water Quality Report
Bowdoinham's drinking water received a grade of A (90.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 738 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 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 1 violation on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Bowdoinham's water
Bowdoinham ranks #33 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Bowdoinham 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, Bowdoinham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bowdoinham, ME water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Bowdoinham's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (90.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 738 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bowdoinham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bowdoinham's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.9/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bowdoinham'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
Bowdoinham's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
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.
Where does Bowdoinham's water come from?
Bowdoinham's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 738 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bowdoinham residents can do
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.
Bowdoinham'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 Bowdoinham
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bowdoinham, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BATH IRON WORKS-STRUCTURAL FABRICATION FACILITY (FORMERLY HA BRUNSWICK, ME04011 | Manganese | 5 | 7.5 mi |
BATH IRON WORKS OUTFIT FABRICATION FACILITY (FORMERLY EBMF) BRUNSWICK, ME04011 | Manganese | 2 | 7.6 mi |
BATH IRON WORKS BATH, ME04530 | Manganese | 0 | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bowdoinham
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BRUNSWICK NAVAL AIR STATION8.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSagadahoc 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 Bowdoinham'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. | 4.3 | 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. | 2.03 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.030 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bowdoinham compares by contaminant
Explore where Bowdoinham ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bowdoinham's water comes from
Bowdoinham'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 738 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Bowdoinham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOWDOINHAM WATER DISTRICT | ME0090210 | 738 | GW |
How Bowdoinham compares
Full Maine rankings →Bowdoinham's score of 90.9/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Bowdoinham, ME
Wikipedia →Bowdoinham is a town in Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States. Bowdoinham was included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area. The population was 3,047 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The town is located on the west side of Merrymeeting Bay.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bowdoinham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sagadahoc
Frequently asked questions
Is Bowdoinham, ME tap water safe to drink?
Bowdoinham's water quality earned a grade of A (90.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #33 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Bowdoinham's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Bowdoinham'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 Bowdoinham?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bowdoinham's water come from?
Bowdoinham's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 738 residents.
What health violations has Bowdoinham's water system had?
Bowdoinham has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 1997. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Bowdoinham's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bowdoinham 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 1 violation 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 Bowdoinham's water compare to other cities?
Bowdoinham ranks #33 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 80% of state cities) and #1993 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bowdoinham's small water system affect quality?
Bowdoinham's system serves approximately 738 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 1 violation on record.