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

52.4 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 6% vs national

vs National

141

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Maine: what the data shows

Maine has 49 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 52.4 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 49 cities

← ▼ 6% below national rate (better)

National avg

250 of 4371 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	Kennebunkport	170.0 µg/L	No	12	D+
2	Kennebunkport	170.0 µg/L	No	1	A
3	Kennebunkport	170.0 µg/L	No	1	A
4	Waterville	160.0 µg/L	No	8	C
5	Augusta	160.0 µg/L	No	15	B+
6	Sanford	160.0 µg/L	No	16	B-
7	Augusta	160.0 µg/L	No	8	B+
8	Augusta	160.0 µg/L	No	7	B+
9	Augusta	160.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
10	Old Town	130.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
11	Topsham	70.0 µg/L	No	12	A-
12	Topsham	70.0 µg/L	No	17	C+
13	York	46.0 µg/L	No	0	A+
14	Waterville	39.5 µg/L	No	6	B-
15	Waterville	39.5 µg/L	No	8	F
16	Waterville	39.5 µg/L	No	1	B
17	Waterville	39.5 µg/L	No	1	B
18	Auburn	36.4 µg/L	No	8	B+
19	Saco	36.0 µg/L	No	1	A
20	Saco	36.0 µg/L	No	1	A
21	Lewiston	34.9 µg/L	No	5	A-
22	Wilton	27.8 µg/L	No	0	B+
23	Kittery	24.9 µg/L	No	1	A
24	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	0	B
25	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	7	B
26	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	26	C
27	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	12	C-
28	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	5	B-
29	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
30	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
31	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
32	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
33	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
34	Scarborough	23.0 µg/L	No	0	A
35	Camden	13.0 µg/L	No	4	A-
36	Camden	13.0 µg/L	No	11	B
37	Camden	13.0 µg/L	No	9	B-
38	Camden	13.0 µg/L	No	4	C
39	Camden	13.0 µg/L	No	4	A-
40	Camden	13.0 µg/L	No	4	A-
41	Bangor	11.0 µg/L	No	7	B
42	Bangor	11.0 µg/L	No	5	B+
43	Bangor	11.0 µg/L	No	5	B+
44	Clifton	11.0 µg/L	No	26	F
45	Clifton	11.0 µg/L	No	5	A-
46	Bangor	10.0 µg/L	No	2	B+
47	Bangor	10.0 µg/L	No	5	C+
48	Bangor	10.0 µg/L	No	3	B
49	Bangor	10.0 µg/L	No	1	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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