Is North Berwick, 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 ↓
70.5/100
waterverge.com North Berwick, ME — Water Quality Report
North Berwick's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,825 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 35 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Berwick's water
North Berwick ranks #140 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
North Berwick 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, North Berwick may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Berwick, ME water safe to drink?
North Berwick's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,825 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North Berwick
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Berwick's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.5/100).
Contaminants: Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE, o-Dichlorobenzene.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4647). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North Berwick'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
North Berwick's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
York County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 Mousam River At Route 4 Near Sanford, Maine, Mousam River Near West Kennebunk, Maine, Branch Brook Near Kennebunk, Maine.
Where does North Berwick's water come from?
North Berwick's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,825 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mousam River At Route 4 Near Sanford, Maine (river), Mousam River Near West Kennebunk, Maine (river), Branch Brook Near Kennebunk, Maine (river).
What North Berwick residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Berwick'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.
North Berwick'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 North Berwick
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near North Berwick, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 16 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRATT & WHITNEY NORTH BERWICK, ME03906 | Nickel | 16 | 0.8 mi |
HUSSEY SEATING CO NORTH BERWICK, ME03906 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
POLYVANTIS SANFORD LLC SANFORD, ME04073 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
TOM'S OF MAINE INC SANFORD, ME04073 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
EXPANDED RUBBER PRODUCTS INC SANFORD, ME04073 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of North Berwick
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.
- SOMERSWORTH SANITARY LANDFILL8.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtYork 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
York County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in North Berwick'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. | 4.0 | 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. | 1.94 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.940 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how North Berwick compares by contaminant
Explore where North Berwick ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Berwick's water comes from
North Berwick'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 1,825 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near North Berwick
North Berwick is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving North Berwick
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH BERWICK WATER DISTRICT | ME0091120 | 1,825 | GW |
How North Berwick compares
Full Maine rankings →North Berwick's score of 70.5/100 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 North Berwick, ME
Wikipedia →North Berwick is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The town was set off from Berwick in 1831, following South Berwick in 1814.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Berwick's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across York
Frequently asked questions
Is North Berwick, ME tap water safe to drink?
North Berwick's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #140 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in North Berwick's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is North Berwick'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 North Berwick?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Berwick's water come from?
North Berwick's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,825 residents.
What health violations has North Berwick's water system had?
North Berwick has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is North Berwick's groundwater at risk of contamination?
North Berwick 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 35 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 North Berwick's water compare to other cities?
North Berwick ranks #140 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 17% of state cities) and #10730 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Berwick's small water system affect quality?
North Berwick's system serves approximately 1,825 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 35 violations on record.