Is North Haven, 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 ↓
77.1/100
waterverge.com North Haven, ME — Water Quality Report
North Haven's drinking water received a grade of B (77.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 740 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 171 violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Haven's water
North Haven ranks #118 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.
As a small community water system, North Haven may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Haven, ME water safe to drink?
North Haven's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (77.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 740 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for North Haven
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Haven's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4719). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Bromate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North Haven'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 Haven's water system has 171 total violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Knox 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.
Where does North Haven's water come from?
North Haven's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 740 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What North Haven 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.
North Haven'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 droughtKnox 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
Knox 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 Haven'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. | 0.6 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how North Haven compares by contaminant
Explore where North Haven ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Haven's water comes from
North Haven'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 740 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving North Haven
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH HAVEN WATER DEPARTMENT | ME0091130 | 740 | SW |
How North Haven compares
Full Maine rankings →North Haven's score of 77.1/100 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 North Haven, ME
Wikipedia →North Haven is a town and island in Knox County, Maine, United States, in Penobscot Bay. The town is both a year-round island community and a prominent summer colony. The population was 417 at the 2020 census. North Haven is accessible by thrice-daily state ferry service from Rockland, or by air taxi from Knox County Regional Airport.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Haven's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Knox
Frequently asked questions
Is North Haven, ME tap water safe to drink?
North Haven's water quality earned a grade of B (77.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #118 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in North Haven's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 171 violations are on record.
How is North Haven'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 Haven?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Haven's water come from?
North Haven's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 740 residents.
What health violations has North Haven's water system had?
North Haven has 58 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does North Haven's water compare to other cities?
North Haven ranks #118 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 30% of state cities) and #9111 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Haven's small water system affect quality?
North Haven's system serves approximately 740 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 171 violations on record.