WaterVerge

Is Freeport, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?

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

4K residents served 5 water systems PWSID: ME0090580
Overall Score
85.4 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#65 of 168 in Maine Top 34% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.4/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.4/100

Freeport, ME — Water Quality Report

Freeport's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,910 residents using groundwater.

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 57 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Freeport's water

Freeport ranks #65 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Freeport 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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.4 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.4/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Freeport, ME water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Freeport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,910 residents using groundwater (wells).

6
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Freeport

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Freeport's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.4/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE LEE

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Freeport's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.07 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

Freeport's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

MRTTMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Dec 2017 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2016 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2014 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2014 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2013 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Androscoggin County has experienced 10 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
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3256
HURRICANE FLOYD MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATIONS
Hurricane FEMA DR-1308

Where does Freeport's water come from?

Freeport's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 3,910 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Freeport residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Freeport's water.

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Freeport'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.07 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

57
Total violations
13
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Dec 2017
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

57 Total
6 Active
13 Health-based
51 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
25
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
2
Dec 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2002 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2014 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Jan 2014 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Showing 20 of 57 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Freeport

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Freeport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
FPL ENERGY WYMAN LLC WF WYMAN STEAM STATION
Electric Utilities · NEXTERA ENERGY INC
YARMOUTH, ME04096
7.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Freeport

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Cumberland 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
4.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Androscoggin County has experienced 10 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
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3256
Nov 1999
HURRICANE FLOYD MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATIONS
Hurricane FEMA #1308
May 1993
HEAVY RAIN, SNOWMELT, ICE JAMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #988
Mar 1992
HEAVY RAINS, ICE JAMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #940
Aug 1991
HURRICANE BOB & FLOODING
Hurricane FEMA #915

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Freeport'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) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.07 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 7.0 ppb from 1993 (7.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.000 mg/L from 2017 (2.070 mg/L) to 2019 (2.070 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
3,910
Water Systems
5
Water Source

Where Freeport's water comes from

Groundwater

Freeport'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,910 people through 5 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Freeport

System Name PWSID Population Source
MAINE WATER COMPANY FREEPORT DIVISION ME0090580 2,700 GW
SOUTH FREEPORT WATER DISTRICT ME0091480 960 GW
WARDTOWN PARK ME0007009 150 GW
DUCK-A-WAY ON CASCO BAY ME0007001 65 GW
TIDAL BROOK DEVELOPMENT ME0092318 35 GW
Regional Comparison

How Freeport compares

Full Maine rankings →

Freeport's score of 85.4/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Freeport (this city)
85.4
Maine avg
82
City Profile

About Freeport, ME

Wikipedia →

Poland is a town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population was 5,906 at the 2020 census. Set among rolling hills and numerous lakes, the town is home to Range Ponds State Park, which includes hiking trails and a pristine freshwater beach. Poland is also a historic resort area. It is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan statistical area, which itself is part of the Greater Portland-Lewiston Combined Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$95,398
Median Income
$429,669
Median Home Value
$1,548/mo
Median Rent
4.5%
Unemployment
Community
47.5
Median Age
97
People / sq mi
55.3%
College Educated
80.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Freeport, ME tap water safe to drink?

Freeport's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #65 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.

What contaminants are in Freeport's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.

How is Freeport'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 Freeport?

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

Where does Freeport's water come from?

Freeport's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 3,910 residents.

What health violations has Freeport's water system had?

Freeport has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.

Is Freeport's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Freeport 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 57 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 Freeport's water compare to other cities?

Freeport ranks #65 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 61% of state cities) and #5343 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.