Is Winterport, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.3/100
waterverge.com Winterport, ME — Water Quality Report
Winterport's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 763 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Winterport's water
Winterport ranks #59 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Winterport 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, Winterport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Winterport, ME water safe to drink?
Winterport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 763 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Winterport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Winterport's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.3/100).
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.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Fluoride.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Winterport's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Winterport's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
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 Winterport's water come from?
Winterport's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 763 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Winterport residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Winterport'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.
Winterport'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 droughtWaldo 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
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.
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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Winterport compares by contaminant
Explore where Winterport ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Winterport's water comes from
Winterport'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 763 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Winterport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WINTERPORT WATER DISTRICT | ME0091640 | 763 | GW |
How Winterport compares
Full Maine rankings →Winterport's score of 86.3/100 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 Winterport, 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 Winterport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Waldo
Frequently asked questions
Is Winterport, ME tap water safe to drink?
Winterport's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #59 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Winterport's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Winterport'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 Winterport?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Winterport's water come from?
Winterport's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 763 residents.
Is Winterport's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Winterport 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 6 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 Winterport's water compare to other cities?
Winterport ranks #59 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 65% of state cities) and #4796 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Winterport's small water system affect quality?
Winterport's system serves approximately 763 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 6 violations on record.