Is Limestone, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
49.6/100
waterverge.com Limestone, ME — Water Quality Report
Limestone's drinking water received a grade of D (49.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,110 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 178 violations on record, including 95 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Limestone's water
Limestone ranks #163 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Limestone 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, Limestone 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 Limestone, ME water safe to drink?
Limestone's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,110 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Limestone
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Limestone's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Limestone's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Limestone's water system has 178 total violations on record, including 95 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Aroostook 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 Little Madawaska River At Caribou, Maine.
Where does Limestone's water come from?
Limestone's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,110 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Madawaska River At Caribou, Maine (river).
What Limestone residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Limestone'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.
Limestone'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Limestone
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.
- LORING AIR FORCE BASE3.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtAroostook 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
Aroostook 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Limestone'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. | 1.5 | 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. | 1.47 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Limestone compares by contaminant
Explore where Limestone ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Limestone's water comes from
Limestone'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 1,110 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Limestone
Limestone is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Limestone
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIMESTONE WATER & SEWER DISTRICT | ME0090840 | 875 | GW |
| LORING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | ME0090915 | 180 | SW |
| LORING WOODS PARK | ME0007968 | 55 | GW |
How Limestone compares
Full Maine rankings →Limestone's score of 49.6/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Limestone, ME
Wikipedia →Limestone is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,526 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Limestone's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Aroostook
Frequently asked questions
Is Limestone, ME tap water safe to drink?
Limestone's water quality earned a grade of D (49.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #163 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Limestone's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 178 violations are on record.
How is Limestone'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 Limestone?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Limestone's water come from?
Limestone's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,110 residents.
What health violations has Limestone's water system had?
Limestone has 95 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Limestone's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Limestone 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 178 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 Limestone's water compare to other cities?
Limestone ranks #163 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 3% of state cities) and #13223 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.