Is Oxford, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
92.5/100
waterverge.com Oxford, ME — Water Quality Report
Oxford's drinking water received a grade of A (92.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Oxford's water
Oxford ranks #22 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Oxford 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, Oxford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oxford, ME water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Oxford's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (92.5/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oxford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oxford's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4737). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Cadmium.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oxford'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
Oxford's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Oxford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Little Androscoggin River Near South Paris, Maine.
Where does Oxford's water come from?
Oxford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Androscoggin River Near South Paris, Maine (river).
What Oxford 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.
Oxford'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 droughtOxford 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
Oxford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Oxford'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. | 2.2 | 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. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oxford compares by contaminant
Explore where Oxford ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oxford's water comes from
Oxford'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 1,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Oxford
Oxford is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oxford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OXFORD WATER DISTRICT | ME0091220 | 1,100 | GW |
How Oxford compares
Full Maine rankings →Oxford's score of 92.5/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Oxford, ME
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oxford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oxford
Frequently asked questions
Is Oxford, ME tap water safe to drink?
Oxford's water quality earned a grade of A (92.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #22 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Oxford's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Oxford'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 Oxford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oxford's water come from?
Oxford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 residents.
What health violations has Oxford's water system had?
Oxford has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Oxford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oxford 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 2 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 Oxford's water compare to other cities?
Oxford ranks #22 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 87% of state cities) and #1224 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Oxford's small water system affect quality?
Oxford's system serves approximately 1,100 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 2 violations on record.