Is Bucksport, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
59/100
waterverge.com Bucksport, ME — Water Quality Report
Bucksport's drinking water received a grade of C- (59 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,923 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.7 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 116 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bucksport's water
Bucksport ranks #159 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Bucksport 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 Bucksport, ME water safe to drink?
Bucksport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,923 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bucksport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bucksport's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Bucksport's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bucksport's water system has 116 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Androscoggin County has experienced 10 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 Bucksport's water come from?
Bucksport's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,923 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Bucksport residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bucksport'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.
Bucksport'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 Bucksport
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bucksport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 657 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GAC CHEMICAL CORP SEARSPORT, ME04974 | Ammonia | 657 | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtHancock County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Androscoggin County has experienced 10 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 Bucksport'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. | 6.7 | 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. | 1.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.435 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bucksport compares by contaminant
Explore where Bucksport ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bucksport's water comes from
Bucksport's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,923 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Bucksport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAINE WATER COMPANY BUCKSPORT DIVISION | ME0090280 | 1,700 | SW |
| SILVER LAKE ESTATES | ME0092722 | 110 | GW |
| SHERWOOD FOREST MHP | ME0015106 | 68 | GW |
| HARRIMAN COVE PARK LLC | ME0002245 | 45 | GW |
How Bucksport compares
Full Maine rankings →Bucksport's score of 59/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Bucksport, ME
Wikipedia →Poland is a town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population was 5,906 at the 2020 census. Set among rolling hills and numerous lakes, the town is home to Range Ponds State Park, which includes hiking trails and a pristine freshwater beach. Poland is also a historic resort area. It is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan statistical area, which itself is part of the Greater Portland-Lewiston Combined Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bucksport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Bucksport, ME tap water safe to drink?
Bucksport's water quality earned a grade of C- (59/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #159 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Bucksport's water?
Lead was measured at 6.7 ppb (90th percentile). 116 violations are on record.
How is Bucksport'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 Bucksport?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bucksport's water come from?
Bucksport's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,923 residents.
What health violations has Bucksport's water system had?
Bucksport has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bucksport's water compare to other cities?
Bucksport ranks #159 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 5% of state cities) and #12233 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.