Is Hallowell, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Hallowell ranks. What to do next ↓
97/100
waterverge.com Hallowell, ME — Water Quality Report
Hallowell's drinking water received a grade of A+ (97 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,300 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Hallowell's water
Hallowell ranks #3 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Hallowell 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, Hallowell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Hallowell has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hallowell, ME water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Hallowell's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (97/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,300 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hallowell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hallowell's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (97/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4719). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hallowell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Flood & environmental risk
Kennebec 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. Local water sources include Kennebec River At Calumet Bridge At Augusta, Maine, Kennebec River At Hallowell, Maine, Cobbosseecontee Stream At Gardiner, Maine, Kennebec River At Gardiner, Maine.
Where does Hallowell's water come from?
Hallowell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,300 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kennebec River At Calumet Bridge At Augusta, Maine (stream), Kennebec River At Hallowell, Maine (stream), Cobbosseecontee Stream At Gardiner, Maine (river), Kennebec River At Gardiner, Maine (stream).
What Hallowell 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.
Hallowell'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 ↓Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Hallowell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hallowell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KENWAY COMPOSITES AUGUSTA, ME04330 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
SOUTHPORT YACHTS LLC GARDINER, ME04345 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Hallowell
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.
- WINTHROP LANDFILL8.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtKennebec 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
Kennebec 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.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hallowell compares by contaminant
Explore where Hallowell ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hallowell's water comes from
Hallowell'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 2,300 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hallowell
Hallowell is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hallowell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HALLOWELL WATER DISTRICT | ME0090650 | 2,300 | GW |
How Hallowell compares
Full Maine rankings →Hallowell's score of 97/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Hallowell, ME
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hallowell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kennebec
Frequently asked questions
Is Hallowell, ME tap water safe to drink?
Hallowell's water quality earned a grade of A+ (97/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #3 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Hallowell's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Hallowell'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 Hallowell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hallowell's water come from?
Hallowell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,300 residents.
Is Hallowell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hallowell uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. Current testing shows the groundwater meets EPA standards. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Hallowell's water compare to other cities?
Hallowell ranks #3 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 98% of state cities) and #101 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hallowell's small water system affect quality?
Hallowell's system serves approximately 2,300 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 maintained a clean compliance record.