Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Maine Drinking Water

Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HRL

% Over HRL

51.8 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 6% vs national

vs National

130

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Maine: what the data shows

Maine has 44 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 0 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 51.8 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)

Maine

0 of 44 cities

← ▼ 6% below national rate (better)

National avg

247 of 4292 cities

City Map

Strontium data across Maine

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by strontium level in Maine

Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Maine cities ranked by strontium level

#	City	Level	Over HRL?	Violations	Grade
1	Kennebunk	170.0 µg/L	No	1	A
2	Kennebunkport	170.0 µg/L	No	1	A
3	Vassalboro	160.0 µg/L	No	8	C
4	Sanford	160.0 µg/L	No	16	B-
5	Augusta	160.0 µg/L	No	8	B+
6	Chelsea	160.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
7	Manchester	160.0 µg/L	No	7	B+
8	Winthrop	160.0 µg/L	No	15	B+
9	Old Town	130.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
10	Topsham	70.0 µg/L	No	17	C+
11	York	46.0 µg/L	No	0	A+
12	Fairfield	39.5 µg/L	No	8	F
13	Oakland	39.5 µg/L	No	6	B-
14	Waterville	39.5 µg/L	No	1	B
15	Winslow	39.5 µg/L	No	1	B
16	Auburn	36.4 µg/L	No	8	B+
17	Biddeford	36.0 µg/L	No	1	A
18	Saco	36.0 µg/L	No	1	A
19	Lewiston	34.9 µg/L	No	5	A-
20	Wilton	27.8 µg/L	No	0	B+
21	Kittery	24.9 µg/L	No	1	A
22	Cape Elizabeth	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
23	Cumberland	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
24	Falmouth	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
25	Portland	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
26	Raymond	23.0 µg/L	No	12	C-
27	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	26	C
28	South Portland	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
29	Westbrook	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
30	Windham	23.0 µg/L	No	5	B-
31	Gorham	23.0 µg/L	No	7	B
32	Camden	13.0 µg/L	No	11	B
33	Rockland	13.0 µg/L	No	4	A-
34	Rockport	13.0 µg/L	No	9	B-
35	Thomaston	13.0 µg/L	No	4	A-
36	Warren	13.0 µg/L	No	4	A-
37	Clifton	11.0 µg/L	No	5	B+
38	Eddington	11.0 µg/L	No	5	B+
39	Orrington	11.0 µg/L	No	7	B
40	Brewer	11.0 µg/L	No	5	A-
41	Bangor	10.0 µg/L	No	3	B
42	Hermon	10.0 µg/L	No	5	C+
43	Veazie	10.0 µg/L	No	1	B+
44	Hampden	10.0 µg/L	No	2	B+

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about strontium in Maine

Is strontium in Maine tap water harmful?

Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. No cities in Maine exceed the HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.

How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.

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