Is West Paris, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
68.4/100
waterverge.com West Paris, ME — Water Quality Report
West Paris's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 540 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 32 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Paris's water
West Paris ranks #145 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
West Paris 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, West Paris may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Paris, ME water safe to drink?
West Paris's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 540 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Paris
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Paris's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4737). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Paris'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
West Paris's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oxford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Little Androscoggin River Near South Paris, Maine.
Where does West Paris's water come from?
West Paris's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 540 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Androscoggin River Near South Paris, Maine (river).
What West Paris residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West Paris'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.
West Paris'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
D2 — severe droughtOxford 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
Oxford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in West Paris'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. | 2.6 | 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. | 4.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Paris compares by contaminant
Explore where West Paris ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Paris's water comes from
West Paris'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 540 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near West Paris
West Paris is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving West Paris
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST PARIS WATER DISTRICT | ME0091600 | 540 | GW |
How West Paris compares
Full Maine rankings →West Paris's score of 68.4/100 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 West Paris, ME
Wikipedia →West Paris is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. Originally settled in 1771 for land that what was deemed "superior for pasturage, hay crops, and orchards", West Paris became a center of Finnish immigrant settlement in the 19th century, with many if the town's current residents being descendants of the original Finnish settlers. Once part of the neighboring town of Paris, Maine, West Paris seceded from Paris and was incorporated in September 1957. The population was 1,766 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Paris's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oxford
Frequently asked questions
Is West Paris, ME tap water safe to drink?
West Paris's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #145 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in West Paris's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is West Paris'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 West Paris?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Paris's water come from?
West Paris's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 540 residents.
What health violations has West Paris's water system had?
West Paris has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is West Paris's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Paris 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 32 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 West Paris's water compare to other cities?
West Paris ranks #145 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 14% of state cities) and #11085 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Paris's small water system affect quality?
West Paris's system serves approximately 540 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 32 violations on record.