Is Sabattus, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.3/100
waterverge.com Sabattus, ME — Water Quality Report
Sabattus's drinking water received a grade of A (92.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,720 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 26 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sabattus's water
Sabattus ranks #23 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Sabattus 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, Sabattus may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sabattus, ME water safe to drink?
Sabattus's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (92.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,720 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sabattus
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sabattus's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Sabattus's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sabattus's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
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. Local water sources include Nezinscot River At Turner Center, Maine, Androscoggin River Near Auburn, Maine.
Where does Sabattus's water come from?
Sabattus's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,720 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nezinscot River At Turner Center, Maine (river), Androscoggin River Near Auburn, Maine (river).
What Sabattus residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sabattus'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.
Sabattus'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Sabattus
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sabattus, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
M.S. AMBROGIO N.A. LLC AUBURN, ME04210 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
PIONEER PLASTICS CORP AUBURN, ME04210 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
POLYMER LABORATORIES & SOLUTIONS LLC LEWISTON, ME04240 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
AVIENT COLORANTS USA LLC - LEWISTON FACILITY LEWISTON, ME04240 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
DINGLEY PRESS LISBON, ME04250 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sabattus
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- LEEDS METAL8.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtAndroscoggin 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
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.
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 Sabattus compares by contaminant
Explore where Sabattus ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sabattus's water comes from
Sabattus'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 1,720 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Sabattus
Sabattus is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sabattus
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SABATTUS SANITARY DISTRICT | ME0091580 | 1,550 | GW |
| BEGIN TRAILER PARK | ME0009244 | 170 | GW |
How Sabattus compares
Full Maine rankings →Sabattus's score of 92.3/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Sabattus, ME
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sabattus's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Androscoggin
Frequently asked questions
Is Sabattus, ME tap water safe to drink?
Sabattus's water quality earned a grade of A (92.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #23 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Sabattus's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Sabattus'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 Sabattus?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sabattus's water come from?
Sabattus's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,720 residents.
What health violations has Sabattus's water system had?
Sabattus has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sabattus's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sabattus 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 26 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 Sabattus's water compare to other cities?
Sabattus ranks #23 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 86% of state cities) and #1295 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.