Bowdoinham, ME Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Tap water monitoring data for Bowdoinham shows a consistently clean picture in ME — few violations on record, compliance well above the median.
How Bowdoinham Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Bowdoinham Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0043 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 48% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.06 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Bowdoinham
One utility dominates residential water service in Bowdoinham, ME — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bowdoinham, Maine, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,115 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Bowdoinham — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bowdoinham: B (83/100)
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
Bowdoinham water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0043 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04008 | B | Bowdoinham Water District | 738 |
All ZIP Codes in Bowdoinham
- 04008 [B]
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.
CDC Health Data for Bowdoinham
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
How Old Is Bowdoinham's Housing Stock?
With 48% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Development in Bowdoinham unfolded across multiple decades, and the median build year of 1983 reflects a housing inventory where eras of construction are genuinely mixed — including portions that predate the federal prohibition on lead solder in plumbing.
Most homes in Bowdoinham were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Bowdoinham: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Bowdoinham, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Bowdoinham are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 29% above the Maine average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Bowdoinham
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.
Households with kids in the home — for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure — face a specific local picture in Bowdoinham. 48% of homes here come from the pre-rule era, and aggregate utility samples either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L. A baseline draw-test kit and certified lead-removal filtration are available via retailer networks for households confirming conditions at a specific tap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Bowdoinham
Taken together, Bowdoinham's 6 NFIP flood insurance claims and 100% FEMA flood zone coverage place it in the moderate range of exposure. That middle position has specific implications for water quality. The contamination pathways that flooding can open — surface water overwhelming treatment facility intake, floodwaters infiltrating private wells, distribution pressure changes creating backflow — are not constant risks in a moderate-exposure community. But they do become active during significant flood events, and the claim record here indicates enough of those events to make flood timing an occasional factor in local water quality conversations.
Bowdoinham has a moderate flood history with 6 FEMA claims averaging $11,626 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>$1,600</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bowdoinham, ME