Is Mars Hill, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Mars Hill, ME — Water Quality Report
Mars Hill's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 113 violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mars Hill's water
Mars Hill ranks #162 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Mars Hill 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, Mars Hill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 53 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mars Hill, ME water safe to drink?
Mars Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mars Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mars Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
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 Mars Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mars Hill's water system has 113 total violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 53 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 Williams Brook At Phair, Maine.
Where does Mars Hill's water come from?
Mars Hill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Williams Brook At Phair, Maine (river).
What Mars Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mars Hill'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.
Mars Hill'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Mars Hill
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mars Hill, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,649,569 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MCCAIN FOODS USA INC EASTON, ME04740 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,649,569 | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
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. | 3.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mars Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Mars Hill ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mars Hill's water comes from
Mars Hill'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 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mars Hill
Mars Hill is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mars Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARS HILL AND BLAINE WATER COMPANY | ME0090940 | 1,500 | GW |
How Mars Hill compares
Full Maine rankings →Mars Hill's score of 50/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Mars Hill, ME
Wikipedia →Mars Hill is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, United States, nestled at the foot of Mars Hill Mountain. The town borders Wicklow Parish, New Brunswick, Canada. The region is mainly agricultural. The population was 1,360 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mars Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Aroostook
Frequently asked questions
Is Mars Hill, ME tap water safe to drink?
Mars Hill's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #162 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Mars Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 113 violations are on record.
How is Mars Hill'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 Mars Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mars Hill's water come from?
Mars Hill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has Mars Hill's water system had?
Mars Hill has 58 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mars Hill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mars Hill 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 113 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 Mars Hill's water compare to other cities?
Mars Hill ranks #162 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 4% of state cities) and #13139 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mars Hill's small water system affect quality?
Mars Hill's system serves approximately 1,500 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 113 violations on record.