Is Bridgton, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48.1/100
waterverge.com Bridgton, ME — Water Quality Report
Bridgton's drinking water received a grade of D (48.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,551 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 124 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bridgton's water
Bridgton ranks #164 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Bridgton 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.
The system has seen 30 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bridgton, ME water safe to drink?
Bridgton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,551 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bridgton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bridgton's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3256). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bridgton'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
Bridgton's water system has 124 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved. 30 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cumberland 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.
Where does Bridgton's water come from?
Bridgton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 4,551 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bridgton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bridgton'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.
Bridgton'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 droughtCumberland 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
Cumberland 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 Bridgton'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. | 2.8 | 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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bridgton compares by contaminant
Explore where Bridgton ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bridgton's water comes from
Bridgton'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 4,551 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Bridgton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRIDGTON WATER DISTRICT | ME0090230 | 3,660 | GW |
| KNIGHTS HILL ASSOCIATION | ME0090800 | 718 | GW |
| WHITE TAIL RIDGE ASSOCIATION | ME0098233 | 123 | GW |
| SANDY CREEK HOUSING | ME0092339 | 50 | GW |
How Bridgton compares
Full Maine rankings →Bridgton's score of 48.1/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Bridgton, ME
Wikipedia →Bridgton is a town in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. The population was 5,418 at the 2020 census. A resort area in Maine's Lakes Region, Bridgton is home to Bridgton Academy, a private preparatory school, and the Four on the Fourth Road Race.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bridgton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cumberland
Frequently asked questions
Is Bridgton, ME tap water safe to drink?
Bridgton's water quality earned a grade of D (48.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #164 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Bridgton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 124 violations are on record.
How is Bridgton'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 Bridgton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bridgton's water come from?
Bridgton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 4,551 residents.
What health violations has Bridgton's water system had?
Bridgton has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 36 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bridgton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bridgton 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 124 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 Bridgton's water compare to other cities?
Bridgton ranks #164 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 2% of state cities) and #13489 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.