Is East Millinocket, 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 ↓
94/100
waterverge.com East Millinocket, ME — Water Quality Report
East Millinocket's drinking water received a grade of A (94 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,133 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 7 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about East Millinocket's water
East Millinocket ranks #9 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
East Millinocket 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, East Millinocket may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Millinocket, ME water safe to drink?
East Millinocket's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,133 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Millinocket
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Millinocket's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1755). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Millinocket's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Millinocket's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Penobscot 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. Local water sources include East Branch Penobscot River At Grindstone, Maine.
Where does East Millinocket's water come from?
East Millinocket's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,133 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Branch Penobscot River At Grindstone, Maine (river).
What East Millinocket 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.
East Millinocket'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 droughtPenobscot 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
Penobscot 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.
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. | 2.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Millinocket compares by contaminant
Explore where East Millinocket ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Millinocket's water comes from
East Millinocket'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 2,133 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near East Millinocket
East Millinocket is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Millinocket
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST MILLINOCKET WATER WORKS | ME0091150 | 2,133 | GW |
How East Millinocket compares
Full Maine rankings →East Millinocket's score of 94/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About East Millinocket, ME
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Millinocket's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Penobscot
Frequently asked questions
Is East Millinocket, ME tap water safe to drink?
East Millinocket's water quality earned a grade of A (94/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #9 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in East Millinocket's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is East Millinocket'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 East Millinocket?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Millinocket's water come from?
East Millinocket's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,133 residents.
What health violations has East Millinocket's water system had?
East Millinocket has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is East Millinocket's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Millinocket 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 7 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 East Millinocket's water compare to other cities?
East Millinocket ranks #9 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 95% of state cities) and #655 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Millinocket's small water system affect quality?
East Millinocket's system serves approximately 2,133 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 7 violations on record.