Is Salem, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Salem ranks. What to do next ↓
96/100
waterverge.com Salem, ME — Water Quality Report
Salem's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 residents using purchased surface water.
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.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Salem's water
Salem ranks #4 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Salem may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Salem has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salem, ME water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Salem's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Salem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salem's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96/100).
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 Salem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Flood & environmental risk
Cumberland 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. Local water sources include Royal River At Yarmouth, Maine, Presumpscot River Near West Falmouth, Maine.
Where does Salem's water come from?
Salem's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 900 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Royal River At Yarmouth, Maine (river), Presumpscot River Near West Falmouth, Maine (river).
What Salem residents can do
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.
Salem'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 ↓Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Cumberland 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.
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 Salem compares by contaminant
Explore where Salem ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salem's water comes from
Salem's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 900 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Salem
Salem is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Salem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEQUOT HIGHLANDS | MA3258001 | 900 | SWP |
How Salem compares
Full Maine rankings →Salem's score of 96/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Salem, ME
Wikipedia →Portland is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maine. Its population was 68,408 at the 2020 census. The Greater Portland metropolitan area has a population of approximately 550,000 people, the most populous metropolitan area in Maine. It is the county seat of Cumberland County. Historically tied to commercial shipping, the marine economy, and light industry, Portland's economy in the 21st century relies mostly on the service sector. The Port of Portland is the second-largest tonnage seaport in the New England area as of 2019.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Salem's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Essex
Frequently asked questions
Is Salem, ME tap water safe to drink?
Salem's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #4 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Salem's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Salem'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 Salem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salem's water come from?
Salem's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 900 residents.
How does Salem's water compare to other cities?
Salem ranks #4 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 98% of state cities) and #248 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Salem's small water system affect quality?
Salem's system serves approximately 900 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 maintained a clean compliance record.