Is Princeton, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 65 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Princeton, ME — Water Quality Report
Princeton's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 660 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 316 violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 65 remain unresolved.
What to know about Princeton's water
Princeton ranks #165 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Princeton 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, Princeton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Princeton, ME water safe to drink?
Princeton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 660 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Princeton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Princeton's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3256). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Princeton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Princeton's water system has 316 total violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 65 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 6 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. Local water sources include Lewy Lake At Princeton, Maine.
Where does Princeton's water come from?
Princeton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 660 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lewy Lake At Princeton, Maine (lake).
What Princeton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Princeton'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.
Princeton'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
D1 — moderate droughtWashington County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Washington County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Princeton compares by contaminant
Explore where Princeton ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Princeton's water comes from
Princeton'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 660 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Princeton
Princeton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Princeton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| INDIAN TOWNSHIP TRIBAL WATER SYSTEM | ME0090719 | 535 | GW |
| PRINCETON WATER DISTRICT | ME0092388 | 75 | GW |
| BOUDREAU TRAILER PARK | ME0095575 | 50 | GW |
How Princeton compares
Full Maine rankings →Princeton's score of 47/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Princeton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Princeton, ME tap water safe to drink?
Princeton's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #165 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Princeton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 316 violations are on record.
How is Princeton'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 Princeton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Princeton's water come from?
Princeton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 660 residents.
What health violations has Princeton's water system had?
Princeton has 34 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 65 violations remain unresolved.
Is Princeton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Princeton 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 316 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 Princeton's water compare to other cities?
Princeton ranks #165 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 2% of state cities) and #13795 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.