Is Sandy River Plt, 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 ↓
86.5/100
waterverge.com Sandy River Plt, ME — Water Quality Report
Sandy River Plt's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,466 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 11 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sandy River Plt's water
Sandy River Plt ranks #57 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sandy River Plt 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, Sandy River Plt may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sandy River Plt, ME water safe to drink?
Sandy River Plt's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,466 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sandy River Plt
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sandy River Plt's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4736). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sandy River Plt'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
Sandy River Plt's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin 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 Sandy River Plt's water come from?
Sandy River Plt's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,466 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sandy River Plt residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sandy River Plt'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.
Sandy River Plt'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 droughtFranklin 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
Franklin 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 Sandy River Plt'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. | 1.9 | 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. | 2.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sandy River Plt compares by contaminant
Explore where Sandy River Plt ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sandy River Plt's water comes from
Sandy River Plt'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 1,466 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Sandy River Plt
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RANGELEY WATER DISTRICT | ME0091330 | 1,378 | GW |
| OQUOSSOC STANDARD WATER SYSTEM | ME0092361 | 88 | GW |
How Sandy River Plt compares
Full Maine rankings →Sandy River Plt's score of 86.5/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sandy River Plt's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Sandy River Plt, ME tap water safe to drink?
Sandy River Plt's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #57 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Sandy River Plt's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Sandy River Plt'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 Sandy River Plt?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sandy River Plt's water come from?
Sandy River Plt's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,466 residents.
What health violations has Sandy River Plt's water system had?
Sandy River Plt has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sandy River Plt's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sandy River Plt 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 11 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 Sandy River Plt's water compare to other cities?
Sandy River Plt ranks #57 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 66% of state cities) and #4678 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.