Is Eastport, 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 ↓
79.6/100
waterverge.com Eastport, ME — Water Quality Report
Eastport's drinking water received a grade of B (79.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,125 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 48 violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Eastport's water
Eastport ranks #103 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, Eastport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Eastport, ME water safe to drink?
Eastport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,125 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Eastport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eastport's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3256). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Eastport'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
Eastport's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Eastport's water come from?
Eastport's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,125 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Eastport residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Eastport'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.
Eastport'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
D1 — moderate droughtWashington 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Washington County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Eastport'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. | 0.8 | 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. | 1.81 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.810 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Eastport compares by contaminant
Explore where Eastport ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Eastport's water comes from
Eastport'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 2,125 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Eastport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PASSAMAQUODDY WATER DISTRICT | ME0090510 | 2,125 | SW |
How Eastport compares
Full Maine rankings →Eastport's score of 79.6/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Eastport, ME
Wikipedia →Eastport is a city and archipelago in Washington County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,288 at the 2020 census, making Eastport the least-populous city in Maine. The principal island is Moose Island, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Eastport is the easternmost city in the continental United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Eastport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Eastport, ME tap water safe to drink?
Eastport's water quality earned a grade of B (79.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #103 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Eastport's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Eastport'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 Eastport?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Eastport's water come from?
Eastport's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,125 residents.
What health violations has Eastport's water system had?
Eastport has 42 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Eastport's water compare to other cities?
Eastport ranks #103 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 39% of state cities) and #8199 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Eastport's small water system affect quality?
Eastport's system serves approximately 2,125 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 48 violations on record.