Is Hancock, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 68 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Hancock, ME — Water Quality Report
Hancock's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 516 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 299 violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hancock's water
Hancock ranks #166 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Hancock 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, Hancock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 26 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hancock, ME water safe to drink?
Hancock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 516 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hancock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hancock's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Hancock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hancock's water system has 299 total violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Penobscot River At Eddington, Maine, Kenduskeag Stream Near Bangor, Maine, Penobscot River At Bangor, Maine.
Where does Hancock's water come from?
Hancock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 516 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Penobscot River At Eddington, Maine (stream), Kenduskeag Stream Near Bangor, Maine (river), Penobscot River At Bangor, Maine (stream).
What Hancock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hancock'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.
Hancock'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 droughtHancock 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
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hancock compares by contaminant
Explore where Hancock ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hancock's water comes from
Hancock'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 516 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Hancock
Hancock is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hancock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUN HANCOCK HEIGHTS- EAST | ME0007242 | 158 | GW |
| SUN HANCOCK HEIGHTS-WEST | ME0107242 | 155 | GW |
| BIRCH TREE MEADOWS MHP | ME0095663 | 105 | GW |
| CRESCENT MOBILE HOME PARK | ME0007237 | 55 | GW |
| BIRCH HAVEN TRAILER PARK | ME0007233 | 43 | GW |
How Hancock compares
Full Maine rankings →Hancock's score of 47/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Hancock, ME
Wikipedia →Bangor is a city in and the county seat of Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The city proper has a population of 31,753, making it the state's third-most populous city, behind Portland (68,408) and Lewiston (37,121). Bangor is known as the "Queen City".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hancock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Hancock, ME tap water safe to drink?
Hancock's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #166 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Hancock's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 299 violations are on record.
How is Hancock'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 Hancock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hancock's water come from?
Hancock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 516 residents.
What health violations has Hancock's water system had?
Hancock has 30 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. 68 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hancock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hancock 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 299 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 Hancock's water compare to other cities?
Hancock ranks #166 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 1% of state cities) and #13807 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.