WaterVerge

Is Hartland, 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 ↓

910 residents served 1 water system PWSID: ME0090680
Overall Score
86.7 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#54 of 168 in Maine Top 29% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86.7/100
waterverge.com
A- 86.7/100

Hartland, ME — Water Quality Report

Hartland's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 910 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 45 violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

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

What to know about Hartland's water

Hartland ranks #54 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Hartland 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, Hartland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86.7 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38.7/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Hartland, ME water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Hartland's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 910 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
1.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Hartland

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hartland's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE LEE

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

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.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hartland's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.04 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

Hartland's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MRTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2016 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2016 TTHM Resolved
May 2000 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Feb 1999 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Jan 1999 Surface Water Treatment Rule 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 Hartland's water come from?

Hartland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 910 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Hartland residents can do

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

Hartland'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
1.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.04 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

45
Total violations
33
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Jan 2016
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

45 Total
1 Active
33 Health-based
44 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Surface Water Treatment Rule
31
Total Coliform Rule
6
Inorganic Chemicals
5
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2016 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Jan 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
May 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2000
Feb 1999 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Feb 1999
Jan 1999 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 1999
Dec 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1998
Nov 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 1998
Oct 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 1998
Sep 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1998
Aug 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1998
Jul 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1998
Jun 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 1998
May 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved May 1998
Apr 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Apr 1998
Mar 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 1998
Feb 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Feb 1998
Jan 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 1998
Dec 1997 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1997
Nov 1997 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 1997
Showing 20 of 45 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Hartland

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CIANBRO FABRICATION & COATING
Fabricated Metals · THE CIANBRO COS
PITTSFIELD, ME04967
8.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Somerset 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)
14.2%
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 Hartland'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) 1.6 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.04 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 24.4 ppb from 1996 (26.0 ppb) to 2023 (1.6 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.080 mg/L from 1997 (1.960 mg/L) to 2000 (2.040 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
910
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Hartland's water comes from

Groundwater

Hartland'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 910 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Hartland

System Name PWSID Population Source
MAINE WATER COMPANY HARTLAND DIVISION ME0090680 910 GW
Regional Comparison

How Hartland compares

Full Maine rankings →

Hartland's score of 86.7/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Hartland (this city)
86.7
Maine avg
82
City Profile

About Hartland, 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
$41,500
Median Income
$131,945
Median Home Value
$836/mo
Median Rent
1.7%
Unemployment
Community
50.4
Median Age
17
People / sq mi
25.1%
College Educated
78.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Hartland, ME tap water safe to drink?

Hartland's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #54 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.

What contaminants are in Hartland's water?

Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.

How is Hartland'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 Hartland?

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

Where does Hartland's water come from?

Hartland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 910 residents.

What health violations has Hartland's water system had?

Hartland has 33 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Hartland's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Hartland 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 45 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 Hartland's water compare to other cities?

Hartland ranks #54 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 68% of state cities) and #4550 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Hartland's small water system affect quality?

Hartland's system serves approximately 910 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 45 violations on record.