Is Limerick, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.3/100
waterverge.com Limerick, ME — Water Quality Report
Limerick's drinking water received a grade of B (79.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 740 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.3 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 43 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Limerick's water
Limerick ranks #107 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Limerick 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.
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, Limerick may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Limerick, ME water safe to drink?
Limerick's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 740 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Limerick
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Limerick's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.3/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4647). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Limerick'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Limerick's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
York 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. Local water sources include Saco River At Cornish, Maine.
Where does Limerick's water come from?
Limerick's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 740 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Saco River At Cornish, Maine (river).
What Limerick residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Limerick'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.
Limerick'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 droughtYork 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
York 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 Limerick'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. | 6.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.71 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Limerick compares by contaminant
Explore where Limerick ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Limerick's water comes from
Limerick'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 740 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Limerick
Limerick is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Limerick
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIMERICK WATER DISTRICT | ME0090850 | 625 | GW |
| LIMERICK MOBILE HOME PARK LLC | ME0007963 | 115 | GW |
How Limerick compares
Full Maine rankings →Limerick's score of 79.3/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Limerick, ME
Wikipedia →Limerick is a town in York County, Maine, United States. It is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan area. The population was 3,188 at the 2020 census. Limerick contains part of the census-designated place of Lake Arrowhead.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Limerick's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across York
Frequently asked questions
Is Limerick, ME tap water safe to drink?
Limerick's water quality earned a grade of B (79.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #107 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Limerick's water?
Lead was measured at 6.3 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Limerick'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 Limerick?
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 Limerick's water come from?
Limerick's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 740 residents.
What health violations has Limerick's water system had?
Limerick has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Limerick's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Limerick 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 43 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 Limerick's water compare to other cities?
Limerick ranks #107 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 36% of state cities) and #8313 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.