Is Dover-Foxcroft, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.3/100
waterverge.com Dover-Foxcroft, ME — Water Quality Report
Dover-Foxcroft's drinking water received a grade of A (93.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,400 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Dover-Foxcroft's water
Dover-Foxcroft ranks #18 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it above 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, Dover-Foxcroft may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dover-Foxcroft, ME water safe to drink?
Dover-Foxcroft's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,400 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Dover-Foxcroft
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dover-Foxcroft's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1755). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dover-Foxcroft's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dover-Foxcroft's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Piscataquis County has experienced 7 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. Local water sources include Piscataquis River Near Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, Black Stream Near Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, Sebec River At Sebec, Maine.
Where does Dover-Foxcroft's water come from?
Dover-Foxcroft's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,400 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Piscataquis River Near Dover-Foxcroft, Maine (river), Black Stream Near Dover-Foxcroft, Maine (river), Sebec River At Sebec, Maine (river).
What Dover-Foxcroft 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.
Dover-Foxcroft'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 droughtPiscataquis 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
Piscataquis County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dover-Foxcroft compares by contaminant
Explore where Dover-Foxcroft ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dover-Foxcroft's water comes from
Dover-Foxcroft'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 2,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dover-Foxcroft
Dover-Foxcroft is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Dover-Foxcroft
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOVER-FOXCROFT WATER DISTRICT | ME0090470 | 2,400 | SW |
How Dover-Foxcroft compares
Full Maine rankings →Dover-Foxcroft's score of 93.3/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Dover-Foxcroft, ME
Wikipedia →Dover-Foxcroft is the largest town in and the seat of Piscataquis County, Maine, United States. The population was 4,422 at the 2020 census. The town is located near the geographic center of the state. It contains a census-designated place of the same name.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dover-Foxcroft's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Piscataquis
Frequently asked questions
Is Dover-Foxcroft, ME tap water safe to drink?
Dover-Foxcroft's water quality earned a grade of A (93.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Dover-Foxcroft's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Dover-Foxcroft'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 Dover-Foxcroft?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dover-Foxcroft's water come from?
Dover-Foxcroft's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,400 residents.
How does Dover-Foxcroft's water compare to other cities?
Dover-Foxcroft ranks #18 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 89% of state cities) and #889 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dover-Foxcroft's small water system affect quality?
Dover-Foxcroft's system serves approximately 2,400 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 9 violations on record.