WaterVerge

Is Eagle Lake, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

585 residents served 1 water system PWSID: ME0090480
Overall Score
82.9 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#85 of 168 in Maine Top 43% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
82.9/100
waterverge.com
B+ 82.9/100

Eagle Lake, ME — Water Quality Report

Eagle Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 585 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 43 violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Eagle Lake's water

Eagle Lake ranks #85 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Eagle Lake 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.

As a small community water system, Eagle Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
82.9 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.9/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
14/20
C
Lead at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Eagle Lake, ME water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Eagle Lake's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 585 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
4.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Eagle Lake

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eagle Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE LEE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1755). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Eagle Lake's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 4.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.60 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Eagle Lake's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONOtherMCLTT
Most recent violations:
Nov 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Apr 2009 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2009 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2008 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Aroostook County has experienced 8 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.

HURRICANE LEE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3598
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1755
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3256

Where does Eagle Lake's water come from?

Eagle Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 585 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Eagle Lake residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Eagle Lake'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
4.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 27% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.60 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

43
Total violations
40
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Nov 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

43 Total
2 Active
40 Health-based
41 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
38
Surface Water Treatment Rule
2
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Nov 2025
Apr 2009 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2009
Oct 2008 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2008
Jul 2008 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2008
Apr 2008 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2008
Apr 2008 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2008
Oct 2007 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2007
Oct 2007 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2007
Jul 2007 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2007
Jul 2007 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2007
Apr 2007 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2007
Apr 2007 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2007
Showing 20 of 43 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Aroostook 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.

11.6%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
11
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Sep 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Aroostook County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2023
HURRICANE LEE
Hurricane FEMA #3598
May 2008
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1755
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3256
May 1994
FLOODING AND ICE JAMS
Flood FEMA #1029
May 1993
HEAVY RAIN, SNOWMELT, ICE JAMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #988
Jan 1974
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #410

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Eagle Lake's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 4.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.60 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.0 ppb from 1993 (10.0 ppb) to 2025 (4.0 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.600 mg/L (2009)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Contaminant Rankings

See how Eagle Lake compares by contaminant

Explore where Eagle Lake ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
585
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Eagle Lake's water comes from

Groundwater

Eagle Lake'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 585 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Eagle Lake

System Name PWSID Population Source
EAGLE LAKE WATER & SEWER DISTRICT ME0090480 585 GW
Regional Comparison

How Eagle Lake compares

Full Maine rankings →

Eagle Lake's score of 82.9/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Eagle Lake (this city)
82.9
Maine avg
82
City Profile

About Eagle Lake, ME

Wikipedia →

Eagle Lake is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, United States. The population was 772 at the 2020 census. The town was named by a body of troops heading from Bangor to the Aroostook War for the many eagles that they saw around the lake. A total of 49.0% of the population speaks French, reflecting a trend in Northeastern Maine.

Economic Profile
$37,813
Median Income
$141,901
Median Home Value
$575/mo
Median Rent
8.6%
Unemployment
Community
67
Median Age
5
People / sq mi
22%
College Educated
69.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Eagle Lake, ME tap water safe to drink?

Eagle Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #85 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.

What contaminants are in Eagle Lake's water?

Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.

How is Eagle Lake'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 Eagle Lake?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Eagle Lake's water come from?

Eagle Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 585 residents.

What health violations has Eagle Lake's water system had?

Eagle Lake has 40 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Eagle Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Eagle Lake 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 43 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 Eagle Lake's water compare to other cities?

Eagle Lake ranks #85 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 49% of state cities) and #6709 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Eagle Lake's small water system affect quality?

Eagle Lake's system serves approximately 585 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 43 violations on record.