Is Damariscotta, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.4/100
waterverge.com Damariscotta, ME — Water Quality Report
Damariscotta's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,193 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 115 violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Damariscotta's water
Damariscotta ranks #126 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it below average 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, Damariscotta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Damariscotta, ME water safe to drink?
Damariscotta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,193 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Damariscotta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Damariscotta's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.4/100).
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Damariscotta's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Damariscotta's water system has 115 total violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lincoln 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 Damariscotta's water come from?
Damariscotta's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,193 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Damariscotta residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Damariscotta'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.
Damariscotta'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 Damariscotta
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Damariscotta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MASTERS MACHINE CO ROUND POND, ME04564 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
MOLNLYCKE MANUFACTURING US LLC (FORMALLY RYNEL) WISCASSET, ME04578 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLincoln 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
Lincoln 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.
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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Damariscotta compares by contaminant
Explore where Damariscotta ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Damariscotta's water comes from
Damariscotta'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,193 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Damariscotta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREAT SALT BAY SANITARY DISTRICT | ME0090410 | 2,143 | SW |
| PINES MOBILE HOME PARK LLC | ME0006513 | 50 | GW |
How Damariscotta compares
Full Maine rankings →Damariscotta's score of 74.4/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Damariscotta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
Is Damariscotta, ME tap water safe to drink?
Damariscotta's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #126 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Damariscotta's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 115 violations are on record.
How is Damariscotta'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 Damariscotta?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Damariscotta's water come from?
Damariscotta's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,193 residents.
What health violations has Damariscotta's water system had?
Damariscotta has 33 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
How does Damariscotta's water compare to other cities?
Damariscotta ranks #126 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 25% of state cities) and #9859 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.