TapSafetyReport
F15/100

ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT — Water Quality Report 2026

Serving 3,910 people · Maine

Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
ME0090520
Violations
26

Contaminant Test Results

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

Frequently Asked Questions About ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT

Is ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT water safe to drink?

ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT water receives a grade of F (15/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 26 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.

What contaminants has ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT detected?

34 contaminants were tested in ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).

Does ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT have any EPA violations?

Yes, ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT has 26 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, MCL, MON. 14 are health-based violations.

How many people does ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT serve?

ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT serves approximately 3,910 people, Maine. The system provides water to 1 community: Ellsworth.

What type of water does ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT provide?

ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT sources its water from surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is ME0090520.

How does ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT compare to other utilities in Maine?

ELLSWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT scores 15/100 with a grade of F (failing). This score suggests significant water quality concerns relative to other utilities. Visit our Maine state page for a full comparison of water systems.

Cities Served

Ellsworth