Is Paris, 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 ↓
86.6/100
waterverge.com Paris, ME — Water Quality Report
Paris's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,940 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 10 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Paris's water
Paris ranks #56 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Paris 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, Paris may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Paris, ME water safe to drink?
Paris's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,940 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Paris
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Paris's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).
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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Paris'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
Paris's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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 Paris's water come from?
Paris's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,940 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 Paris residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Paris'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.
Paris'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 Paris'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. | 2.1 | 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. | 1.43 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Paris compares by contaminant
Explore where Paris ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Paris's water comes from
Paris'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 2,940 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Paris
Paris is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Paris
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PARIS UTILITY DISTRICT | ME0091230 | 2,940 | GW |
How Paris compares
Full Maine rankings →Paris's score of 86.6/100 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 Paris, ME
Wikipedia →South Paris is a census-designated place (CDP) located within the town of Paris in Oxford County, Maine, United States. South Paris is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area.The population was 2,237 at the 2000 census. While the CDP refers only to the densely settled area in the southern part of the town of Paris, the entire town, outside of Paris Hill, is located within the South Paris ZIP code, resulting in many residents referring to the entire town as South Paris.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Paris's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oxford
Frequently asked questions
Is Paris, ME tap water safe to drink?
Paris's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #56 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Paris's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Paris'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 Paris?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Paris's water come from?
Paris's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,940 residents.
What health violations has Paris's water system had?
Paris has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Paris's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Paris 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 10 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 Paris's water compare to other cities?
Paris ranks #56 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 67% of state cities) and #4594 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Paris's small water system affect quality?
Paris's system serves approximately 2,940 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 10 violations on record.