Is Searsport, 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 ↓
95.4/100
waterverge.com Searsport, ME — Water Quality Report
Searsport's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,763 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 28 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Searsport's water
Searsport ranks #5 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Searsport 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, Searsport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Searsport, ME water safe to drink?
Searsport's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A+ (95.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,763 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Searsport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Searsport's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4719). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Picloram, Dinoseb, 2,4-D.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Asbestos.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Searsport's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Searsport's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Waldo County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Ducktrap River Near Lincolnville, Maine.
Where does Searsport's water come from?
Searsport's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,763 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ducktrap River Near Lincolnville, Maine (river).
What Searsport 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.
Searsport'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 Searsport
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Searsport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 659 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GAC CHEMICAL CORP SEARSPORT, ME04974 | Ammonia | 657 | 1.4 mi |
SPRAGUE SEARSPORT TERMINAL SEARSPORT, ME04974 | Naphthalene | 2 | 1.5 mi |
IRVING OIL TERMINALS INC. SEARSPORT, ME04974 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Searsport
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.
- CALLAHAN MINING CORP10.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWaldo 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
Waldo County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Searsport compares by contaminant
Explore where Searsport ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Searsport's water comes from
Searsport'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 2,763 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Searsport
Searsport is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Searsport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEARSPORT WATER DISTRICT | ME0091440 | 2,763 | GW |
How Searsport compares
Full Maine rankings →Searsport's score of 95.4/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Searsport, ME
Wikipedia →Searsport is an incorporated town and deep water seaport located at the confluence of the Penobscot River estuary and the Penobscot Bay immediately northwest of Sears Island and Cape Jellison in Waldo County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,649 at the 2020 census. Searsport includes the village and North Searsport and census-designated place of Searsport. The town is known as "the home of the famous sea captains" and the "Antique Capital of Maine".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Searsport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Waldo
Frequently asked questions
Is Searsport, ME tap water safe to drink?
Searsport's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #5 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Searsport's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Searsport'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 Searsport?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Searsport's water come from?
Searsport's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,763 residents.
Is Searsport's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Searsport 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 28 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 Searsport's water compare to other cities?
Searsport ranks #5 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 97% of state cities) and #316 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 Searsport's small water system affect quality?
Searsport's system serves approximately 2,763 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 28 violations on record.