Calais, ME: 1 Health Violation — 82/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Throughout Calais and across its water systems, EPA compliance data for ME shows above-average performance — violations are minimal, none of the tracked systems have recorded repeated MCL exceedances in recent cycles, and the safety picture has held steady across multiple reporting periods.
How Calais Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Calais Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 1 violation in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0024 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 80% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.36 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Calais
Federal records list 1 water system serving Calais, ME. One provider accounts for the large majority of residential water connections in the area, concentrating infrastructure and compliance accountability.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Calais, Maine, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,087 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Calais: B (82/100)
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
Calais water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0024 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04619 | B | 1 | 1 | Calais Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Calais
- 04619 [B] — 1 violation ⚠
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 Calais
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 Calais Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Calais
With 80% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Calais — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1955 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Calais were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Calais Homeowners
The Calais remediation share exceeds what lower-tier markets face — the cost-to-value ratio here is elevated, and the household financial perspective reflects a commitment that most homeowners need to plan for explicitly.
At 2.2% of home value, remediation costs in Calais represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,350–$3,900. Home values here are 57% below the Maine average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Calais
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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 80% of Calais homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Calais
How does Calais's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 1 claim — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Calais has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims. 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>$2,500</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 Calais, ME