Is Waldoboro, 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 ↓
72.6/100
waterverge.com Waldoboro, ME — Water Quality Report
Waldoboro's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,193 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 86 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Waldoboro's water
Waldoboro ranks #135 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Waldoboro 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, Waldoboro may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waldoboro, ME water safe to drink?
Waldoboro'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 3 water systems serve approximately 1,193 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Waldoboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waldoboro's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.6/100).
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
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 Waldoboro'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
Waldoboro's water system has 86 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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.
Where does Waldoboro's water come from?
Waldoboro's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,193 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Waldoboro residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Waldoboro'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.
Waldoboro'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 Waldoboro
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Waldoboro, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PIKE INDUSTRIES INC-WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, ME04574 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLincoln 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Waldoboro'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.33 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.330 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Waldoboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Waldoboro ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waldoboro's water comes from
Waldoboro'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 1,193 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Waldoboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WALDOBORO WATER DEPT | ME0091560 | 1,065 | GW |
| EAST RIDGE MOBILE HOME PARK | ME0092325 | 70 | GW |
| BROOKSIDE MOBILE HOME COURT | ME0095595 | 58 | GW |
How Waldoboro compares
Full Maine rankings →Waldoboro'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 Waldoboro, ME
Wikipedia →Poland is a town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population was 5,906 at the 2020 census. Set among rolling hills and numerous lakes, the town is home to Range Ponds State Park, which includes hiking trails and a pristine freshwater beach. Poland is also a historic resort area. It is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan statistical area, which itself is part of the Greater Portland-Lewiston Combined Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waldoboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
Is Waldoboro, ME tap water safe to drink?
Waldoboro'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 #135 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Waldoboro's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 86 violations are on record.
How is Waldoboro'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 Waldoboro?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waldoboro's water come from?
Waldoboro's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,193 residents.
What health violations has Waldoboro's water system had?
Waldoboro has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Waldoboro's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Waldoboro 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 86 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 Waldoboro's water compare to other cities?
Waldoboro ranks #135 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 20% of state cities) and #10277 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.