Bangor, ME: 14 Health Violations — 55/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike higher-rated cities in ME, Bangor carries a fair number of documented violations — the pattern of compliance gaps keeps the city in the middle tier of EPA safety rankings.
How Bangor Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Bangor Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 58 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0075 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $3,650 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.23 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Bangor
Federal records list 6 water systems tied to Bangor, ME. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Bangor, Maine, covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 44,418 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 14 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bangor: C (55/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Bangor water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0075 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 33 | 2 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 18 | 2 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 18 | 2 |
| Barium | Inorganic | 9 | 2 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04401 | D | 29 | 7 | Bangor Water District |
| 04402 | C | 29 | 7 | Bangor Water District |
All ZIP Codes in Bangor
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Bangor
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Top Contaminants in Bangor Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Bangor Homeowners
Looking at how documented remediation costs fit within Bangor property values, the equity share lands in the moderate tier — a finding that positions the household financial perspective between routine maintenance and a significant budget commitment, where most homeowners can successfully address documented issues by treating the expense as a planned financial priority rather than an unexpected one.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Bangor. The estimated $2,400–$5,900 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 12% below the Maine average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Bangor
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Bangor appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Bangor
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, Bangor shows 34 claims and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
Bangor has a moderate flood history with 34 FEMA claims averaging $48,035 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,650</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Bangor
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Surface Water Treatment Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Bangor's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bangor, ME