Is Newport, 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 ↓
83/100
waterverge.com Newport, ME — Water Quality Report
Newport's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,900 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 63 violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newport's water
Newport ranks #82 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Newport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newport, ME water safe to drink?
Newport's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,900 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Newport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newport's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Newport'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
Newport's water system has 63 total violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Penobscot 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.
Where does Newport's water come from?
Newport's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,900 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Newport 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.
Newport'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 Newport
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Newport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CIANBRO FABRICATION & COATING PITTSFIELD, ME04967 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Newport
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.
- EASTLAND WOOLEN MILL5.9 mi
- WEST SITE HOWS CORNERS7.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPenobscot 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
Penobscot 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 Newport'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. | 1.3 | 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. | 2.07 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.070 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Newport compares by contaminant
Explore where Newport ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newport's water comes from
Newport'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 1,900 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Newport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWPORT WATER DISTRICT | ME0091100 | 1,900 | SW |
How Newport compares
Full Maine rankings →Newport's score of 83/100 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 Newport, ME
Wikipedia →Newport is a town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,133 at the 2020 census. It contains the census-designated place of the same name. The town's borders surround the shoreline of Sebasticook Lake.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Penobscot
Frequently asked questions
Is Newport, ME tap water safe to drink?
Newport's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #82 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Newport's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 63 violations are on record.
How is Newport'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 Newport?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newport's water come from?
Newport's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,900 residents.
What health violations has Newport's water system had?
Newport has 54 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Newport's water compare to other cities?
Newport ranks #82 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 51% of state cities) and #6657 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Newport's small water system affect quality?
Newport's system serves approximately 1,900 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 63 violations on record.