Is Fort Kent, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
67.4/100
waterverge.com Fort Kent, ME — Water Quality Report
Fort Kent's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,673 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 46 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Kent's water
Fort Kent ranks #149 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Fort Kent 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, Fort Kent may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Kent, ME water safe to drink?
Fort Kent's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,673 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Kent
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Kent's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Kent'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
Fort Kent's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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. Local water sources include Fish River Near Fort Kent, Maine, St. John River Below Fish R, Nr Fort Kent, Maine.
Where does Fort Kent's water come from?
Fort Kent's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,673 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Fish River Near Fort Kent, Maine (river), St. John River Below Fish R, Nr Fort Kent, Maine (river).
What Fort Kent residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Kent'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.
Fort Kent'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 droughtAroostook 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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Fort Kent'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. | 1.1 | 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. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Kent compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Kent ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Kent's water comes from
Fort Kent'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 1,673 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fort Kent
Fort Kent is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fort Kent
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORT KENT W & W DEPARTMENT | ME0090560 | 1,578 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW TRAILER PARK | ME0006954 | 95 | GW |
How Fort Kent compares
Full Maine rankings →Fort Kent's score of 67.4/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Fort Kent, ME
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Kent's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Aroostook
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Kent, ME tap water safe to drink?
Fort Kent's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #149 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Fort Kent's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Fort Kent'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 Fort Kent?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Kent's water come from?
Fort Kent's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,673 residents.
What health violations has Fort Kent's water system had?
Fort Kent has 4 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. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fort Kent's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Kent 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 46 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 Fort Kent's water compare to other cities?
Fort Kent ranks #149 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 11% of state cities) and #11241 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.