D38/100
Richmond Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,846 residents · Maine
What's In Richmond's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 2.08 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
8
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 30, 2024 – March 24, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2023 – February 28, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: May 6, 2023 – August 22, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2022 – January 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: December 30, 2021 – April 1, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
BETHEL WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
1,813
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
ME0090160
BINGHAM WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
1,075
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
ME0090180
ANSON AND MADISON WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
5,568
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
ME0090930
RICHMOND UTILITIES DISTRICT
Population Served
1,390
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
ME0091370
Frequently Asked Questions About Richmond Water
Is Richmond tap water safe to drink?
Richmond, Maine tap water receives a grade of D (38/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 109 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Richmond's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Richmond's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Richmond have any water quality violations?
Yes, Richmond has 109 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, Other, MON. 50 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Richmond?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Richmond is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Richmond's tap water come from?
Richmond's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by BETHEL WATER DISTRICT and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 9,846 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Richmond's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Richmond's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Richmond's water compare to other cities in Maine?
Richmond's water quality score of 38/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Maine state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Richmond's water quality?
If you have concerns about Richmond's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BETHEL WATER DISTRICT) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.