Is Winter Harbor, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.2/100
waterverge.com Winter Harbor, ME — Water Quality Report
Winter Harbor's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 17 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Winter Harbor's water
Winter Harbor ranks #62 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Winter Harbor 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, Winter Harbor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Winter Harbor, ME water safe to drink?
Winter Harbor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Winter Harbor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Winter Harbor's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Winter Harbor's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Winter Harbor's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 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 Winter Harbor's water come from?
Winter Harbor's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Otter Creek Near Bar Harbor, Maine (river).
What Winter Harbor residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Winter Harbor'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.
Winter Harbor'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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Winter Harbor compares by contaminant
Explore where Winter Harbor ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Winter Harbor's water comes from
Winter Harbor'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 700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Winter Harbor
Winter Harbor is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Winter Harbor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WINTER HARBOR WATER DISTRICT | ME0091630 | 700 | GW |
How Winter Harbor compares
Full Maine rankings →Winter Harbor's score of 86.2/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Winter Harbor, ME
Wikipedia →Winter Harbor is a town on the Schoodic Peninsula in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The population was 461 at the 2020 census. The town is located just outside the Schoodic Peninsula portion of Acadia National Park and is due east of the town of Bar Harbor and Ellsworth. Winter Harbor was once the location of a US Naval Station, NSGA-WH, which closed in the mid-2000s, and is now home to the Schoodic Institute’s Education and Research Center.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Winter Harbor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Winter Harbor, ME tap water safe to drink?
Winter Harbor's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #62 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Winter Harbor's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Winter Harbor'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 Winter Harbor?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Winter Harbor's water come from?
Winter Harbor's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 700 residents.
What health violations has Winter Harbor's water system had?
Winter Harbor has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Winter Harbor's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Winter Harbor 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 17 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 Winter Harbor's water compare to other cities?
Winter Harbor ranks #62 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 63% of state cities) and #4886 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Winter Harbor's small water system affect quality?
Winter Harbor's system serves approximately 700 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 17 violations on record.