WaterVerge

Is Parsonsfield, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: ME0090770
Overall Score
91.6 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#30 of 168 in Maine Top 10% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91.6/100
waterverge.com
A 91.6/100

Parsonsfield, ME — Water Quality Report

Parsonsfield's drinking water received a grade of A (91.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,045 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Parsonsfield's water

Parsonsfield ranks #30 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Parsonsfield 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, Parsonsfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91.6 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Parsonsfield, ME water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Parsonsfield's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,045 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Parsonsfield

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Parsonsfield's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.6/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE LEE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Nitrite, Nitrate.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3256). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Parsonsfield's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Parsonsfield's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Sep 2018 E. COLI Open
Jan 2010 Nitrite Resolved
Jan 2010 Nitrate Resolved
Jan 1995 Nitrate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Androscoggin County has experienced 10 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.

HURRICANE LEE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3598
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3256
HURRICANE FLOYD MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATIONS
Hurricane FEMA DR-1308

Where does Parsonsfield's water come from?

Parsonsfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,045 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Parsonsfield residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Parsonsfield'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

4
Total violations
0
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Sep 2018
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

4 Total
1 Active
0 Health-based
3 Resolved
Violations by category
Nitrate Rule
3
Ground Water Rule
1
Sep 2018 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2010 Resolved
Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 1995 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

York 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
3.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Androscoggin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2023
HURRICANE LEE
Hurricane FEMA #3598
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3256
Nov 1999
HURRICANE FLOYD MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATIONS
Hurricane FEMA #1308
May 1993
HEAVY RAIN, SNOWMELT, ICE JAMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #988
Mar 1992
HEAVY RAINS, ICE JAMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #940
Aug 1991
HURRICANE BOB & FLOODING
Hurricane FEMA #915

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 17.0 ppb from 1993 (17.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Parsonsfield compares by contaminant

Explore where Parsonsfield ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,045
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Parsonsfield's water comes from

Groundwater

Parsonsfield'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,045 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Parsonsfield

System Name PWSID Population Source
MAINE WATER COMPANY KEZAR FALLS DIVISION ME0090770 1,045 GW
Regional Comparison

How Parsonsfield compares

Full Maine rankings →

Parsonsfield's score of 91.6/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Parsonsfield (this city)
91.6
Maine avg
82
City Profile

About Parsonsfield, ME

Wikipedia →

Poland is a town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population was 5,906 at the 2020 census. Set among rolling hills and numerous lakes, the town is home to Range Ponds State Park, which includes hiking trails and a pristine freshwater beach. Poland is also a historic resort area. It is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan statistical area, which itself is part of the Greater Portland-Lewiston Combined Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$53,578
Median Income
$201,090
Median Home Value
$1,200/mo
Median Rent
4.7%
Unemployment
Community
47.2
Median Age
18
People / sq mi
15.3%
College Educated
83.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Parsonsfield, ME tap water safe to drink?

Parsonsfield's water quality earned a grade of A (91.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #30 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.

What contaminants are in Parsonsfield's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.

How is Parsonsfield'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 Parsonsfield?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Parsonsfield's water come from?

Parsonsfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,045 residents.

Is Parsonsfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Parsonsfield 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 4 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 Parsonsfield's water compare to other cities?

Parsonsfield ranks #30 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 82% of state cities) and #1609 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Parsonsfield's small water system affect quality?

Parsonsfield's system serves approximately 1,045 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 4 violations on record.