Is Milo, 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 ↓
78.5/100
waterverge.com Milo, ME — Water Quality Report
Milo's drinking water received a grade of B (78.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,720 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.1 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 68 violations on record, including 59 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Milo's water
Milo ranks #109 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it below average 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, Milo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Milo, ME water safe to drink?
Milo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (78.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,720 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Milo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Milo's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Milo'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
Milo's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 59 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Piscataquis County has experienced 7 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 Sebec River At Sebec, Maine, Piscataquis River At Medford, Maine.
Where does Milo's water come from?
Milo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,720 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sebec River At Sebec, Maine (river), Piscataquis River At Medford, Maine (river).
What Milo residents can do
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.
Milo'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 droughtPiscataquis 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
Piscataquis County has experienced 7 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 Milo'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. | 5.1 | 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. | 3.01 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.010 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Milo compares by contaminant
Explore where Milo ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Milo's water comes from
Milo'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 1,720 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Milo
Milo is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Milo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MILO WATER DISTRICT | ME0091000 | 1,720 | SW |
How Milo compares
Full Maine rankings →Milo's score of 78.5/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Milo, ME
Wikipedia →Milo is a town in Piscataquis County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,251 at the 2020 census. Milo includes the village of Derby and census-designated place of Milo. The town sits in the valley of the Piscataquis, Sebec and Pleasant Rivers in the foothills of the Longfellow Mountains and is the gateway to many pristine hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, and other outdoor tourist locations such as Schoodic, Seboeis, and Sebec Lakes, Mount Katahdin and its backcountry in Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Katahdin Iron Works and Gulf Hagas.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Milo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Piscataquis
Frequently asked questions
Is Milo, ME tap water safe to drink?
Milo's water quality earned a grade of B (78.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #109 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Milo's water?
Lead was measured at 5.1 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Milo'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 Milo?
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 Milo's water come from?
Milo's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,720 residents.
What health violations has Milo's water system had?
Milo has 59 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Milo's water compare to other cities?
Milo ranks #109 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 35% of state cities) and #8671 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Milo's small water system affect quality?
Milo's system serves approximately 1,720 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 68 violations on record.