Is Stonington, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
74.5/100
waterverge.com Stonington, ME — Water Quality Report
Stonington's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 727 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 71 violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stonington's water
Stonington ranks #125 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Stonington 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, Stonington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stonington, ME water safe to drink?
Stonington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 727 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Stonington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stonington's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.5/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stonington'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
Stonington's water system has 71 total violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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.
Where does Stonington's water come from?
Stonington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 727 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Stonington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stonington'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.
Stonington'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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Stonington'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. | 1.3 | 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. | 5.26 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Stonington compares by contaminant
Explore where Stonington ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stonington's water comes from
Stonington'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 727 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Stonington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STONINGTON WATER COMPANY | ME0091510 | 683 | GW |
| STONINGTON MANOR | ME0092120 | 44 | GW |
How Stonington compares
Full Maine rankings →Stonington's score of 74.5/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Stonington, ME
Wikipedia →Winterport is a town in Waldo County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,817 at the 2020 census. It contains the census-designated place of the same name. The Winterport Historic District, extending several blocks along Main Street, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stonington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Stonington, ME tap water safe to drink?
Stonington's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #125 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Stonington's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 71 violations are on record.
How is Stonington'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 Stonington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stonington's water come from?
Stonington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 727 residents.
What health violations has Stonington's water system had?
Stonington has 39 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Stonington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Stonington 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 71 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 Stonington's water compare to other cities?
Stonington ranks #125 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 26% of state cities) and #9847 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.