Is Southwest Hbr, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.6/100
waterverge.com Southwest Hbr, ME — Water Quality Report
Southwest Hbr's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,480 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 94 violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Southwest Hbr's water
Southwest Hbr ranks #134 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Southwest Hbr may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Southwest Hbr, ME water safe to drink?
Southwest Hbr's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,480 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Southwest Hbr
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Southwest Hbr's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.6/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1691). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Southwest Hbr's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Southwest Hbr's water system has 94 total violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hancock County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Otter Creek Near Bar Harbor, Maine.
Where does Southwest Hbr's water come from?
Southwest Hbr's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,480 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Otter Creek Near Bar Harbor, Maine (river).
What Southwest Hbr residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Southwest Hbr'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.
Southwest Hbr'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 droughtHancock 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
Hancock County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Southwest Hbr compares by contaminant
Explore where Southwest Hbr ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Southwest Hbr's water comes from
Southwest Hbr'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,480 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Southwest Hbr
Southwest Hbr is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Southwest Hbr
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTHWEST HARBOR WATER & SEWER DISTRICT | ME0091490 | 2,480 | SW |
How Southwest Hbr compares
Full Maine rankings →Southwest Hbr's score of 72.6/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Southwest Hbr, ME
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Southwest Hbr's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Southwest Hbr, ME tap water safe to drink?
Southwest Hbr's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #134 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Southwest Hbr's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 94 violations are on record.
How is Southwest Hbr'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 Southwest Hbr?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Southwest Hbr's water come from?
Southwest Hbr's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,480 residents.
What health violations has Southwest Hbr's water system had?
Southwest Hbr has 60 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Southwest Hbr's water compare to other cities?
Southwest Hbr ranks #134 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 20% of state cities) and #10272 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Southwest Hbr's small water system affect quality?
Southwest Hbr's system serves approximately 2,480 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 94 violations on record.