Is Mount Desert, 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 ↓
72.5/100
waterverge.com Mount Desert, ME — Water Quality Report
Mount Desert's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,488 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 49 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mount Desert's water
Mount Desert ranks #136 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
As a small community water system, Mount Desert may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mount Desert, ME water safe to drink?
Mount Desert's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,488 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mount Desert
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mount Desert's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.5/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Bromate.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1691). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mount Desert'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
Mount Desert's water system has 49 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hancock County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Otter Creek Near Bar Harbor, Maine.
Where does Mount Desert's water come from?
Mount Desert's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,488 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Otter Creek Near Bar Harbor, Maine (river).
What Mount Desert residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mount Desert'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.
Mount Desert'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 droughtHancock 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
Hancock County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mount Desert'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. | 2.5 | 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. | 2.58 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.580 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Mount Desert compares by contaminant
Explore where Mount Desert ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mount Desert's water comes from
Mount Desert'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 2,488 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mount Desert
Mount Desert is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mount Desert
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT DESERT WATER DIST NORTH | ME0091140 | 1,623 | SW |
| MOUNT DESERT WATER DIST -SEAL | ME0091420 | 865 | SW |
How Mount Desert compares
Full Maine rankings →Mount Desert's score of 72.5/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Mount Desert, ME
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mount Desert's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Desert, ME tap water safe to drink?
Mount Desert's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #136 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Mount Desert's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 49 violations are on record.
How is Mount Desert'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 Mount Desert?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mount Desert's water come from?
Mount Desert's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,488 residents.
What health violations has Mount Desert's water system had?
Mount Desert has 19 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mount Desert's water compare to other cities?
Mount Desert ranks #136 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 19% of state cities) and #10304 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.