Is Machias, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.3/100
waterverge.com Machias, ME — Water Quality Report
Machias's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,479 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 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Machias's water
Machias ranks #92 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Machias 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, Machias may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Machias, ME water safe to drink?
Machias's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,479 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Machias
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Machias's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3256). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Machias's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Machias's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Machias's water come from?
Machias's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,479 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Machias residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Machias'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.
Machias'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 droughtWashington 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
Washington County has experienced 6 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 Machias compares by contaminant
Explore where Machias ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Machias's water comes from
Machias'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 1,479 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Machias
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MACHIAS WATER COMPANY | ME0090910 | 1,390 | GW |
| MACHIAS TRAILER PARK | ME0004628 | 89 | GW |
How Machias compares
Full Maine rankings →Machias's score of 82.3/100 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 Machias, ME
Wikipedia →Machias is a town in and the county seat of Washington County in Down East Maine, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 2,060. It contains the census-designated place of the same name. It is home to the University of Maine at Machias and Machias Valley Airport, a small public airport owned by the town. The word Machias roughly translates in Passamaquoddy as "bad little falls", a reference to the Machias River. Machias was the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Machias's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Machias, ME tap water safe to drink?
Machias's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #92 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Machias's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Machias'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 Machias?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Machias's water come from?
Machias's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,479 residents.
Is Machias's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Machias 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 11 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 Machias's water compare to other cities?
Machias ranks #92 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 45% of state cities) and #7056 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.