Is Carrabassett Vl, 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 ↓
67.5/100
waterverge.com Carrabassett Vl, ME — Water Quality Report
Carrabassett Vl's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,730 residents using surface water.
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 35 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carrabassett Vl's water
Carrabassett Vl ranks #148 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.
As a small community water system, Carrabassett Vl may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carrabassett Vl, ME water safe to drink?
Carrabassett Vl's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,730 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Carrabassett Vl
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carrabassett Vl's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4736). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carrabassett Vl'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
Carrabassett Vl's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin 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 Carrabassett Vl's water come from?
Carrabassett Vl's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,730 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Carrabassett Vl residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carrabassett Vl'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.
Carrabassett Vl'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 droughtFranklin 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
Franklin 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 Carrabassett Vl'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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2007)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Carrabassett Vl compares by contaminant
Explore where Carrabassett Vl ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carrabassett Vl's water comes from
Carrabassett Vl'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 1,730 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Carrabassett Vl
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUGARLOAF WATER ASSOCIATION | ME0091690 | 1,730 | SW |
How Carrabassett Vl compares
Full Maine rankings →Carrabassett Vl's score of 67.5/100 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 Carrabassett Vl, ME
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carrabassett Vl's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Carrabassett Vl, ME tap water safe to drink?
Carrabassett Vl's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #148 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Carrabassett Vl's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Carrabassett Vl'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 Carrabassett Vl?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carrabassett Vl's water come from?
Carrabassett Vl's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,730 residents.
What health violations has Carrabassett Vl's water system had?
Carrabassett Vl has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Carrabassett Vl's water compare to other cities?
Carrabassett Vl ranks #148 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 12% of state cities) and #11230 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carrabassett Vl's small water system affect quality?
Carrabassett Vl's system serves approximately 1,730 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 35 violations on record.