Is Jay, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.7/100
waterverge.com Jay, ME — Water Quality Report
Jay's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,475 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 7.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 54 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jay's water
Jay ranks #151 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Jay may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jay, ME water safe to drink?
Jay's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,475 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Jay
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jay's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.7/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4736). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jay's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Jay's water system has 54 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Jay's water come from?
Jay's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,475 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Jay residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jay'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Jay'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
D2 — severe droughtFranklin 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
Franklin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Jay'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. | 7.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jay compares by contaminant
Explore where Jay ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jay's water comes from
Jay's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,475 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Jay
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAY VILLAGE WATER DISTRICT | ME0090740 | 975 | SWP |
| NORTH JAY WATER DISTRICT | ME0091160 | 500 | SWP |
How Jay compares
Full Maine rankings →Jay's score of 65.7/100 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 Jay, ME
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jay's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Jay, ME tap water safe to drink?
Jay's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #151 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Jay's water?
Lead was measured at 7.1 ppb (90th percentile). 54 violations are on record.
How is Jay'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 Jay?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jay's water come from?
Jay's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,475 residents.
What health violations has Jay's water system had?
Jay has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Jay's water compare to other cities?
Jay ranks #151 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 10% of state cities) and #11475 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.