TapSafetyReport
F15/100

Surry Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 3,910 residents · Maine

What's In Surry's Tap Water?

34
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.004 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

11

Violations (last 5yr)

2

Unresolved

5

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 30, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 1, 2024 – February 29, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: September 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Rule: Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2022 – March 18, 2022Rule: 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: January 1, 2022 – March 18, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

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

ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served

3,910

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

ME0090520

Frequently Asked Questions About Surry Water

Is Surry tap water safe to drink?

Surry, Maine tap water receives a grade of F (15/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 26 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Surry's water?

Of the 34 contaminants tested in Surry's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Surry have any water quality violations?

Yes, Surry has 26 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, MCL, MON. 14 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Surry?

Surry water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Surry's tap water come from?

Surry's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 3,910 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Surry'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. Surry'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 Surry's water compare to other cities in Maine?

Surry's water quality score of 15/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. 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 Surry's water quality?

If you have concerns about Surry'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 (ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT) 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.

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