Charleston, ME: 11 Violations — 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
If you're checking Charleston, ME tap water safety, the short answer is: average — violations are present in parts of the city and specifics depend on which water system serves your address.
How Charleston Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Charleston Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 11 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 62% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.23 — above typical levels.
Charleston's Water Providers
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Charleston, ME's residential water connections out of 2 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Charleston, Maine, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,189 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Charleston: 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
Charleston water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0005 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 1 |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 4 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04422 | C | 11 | 0 | Mountain View Correctional Facility |
All ZIP Codes in Charleston
- 04422 [C] — 11 violations
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.
Charleston Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Charleston's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Charleston Infrastructure Age
With 62% 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
When a city's housing median build year is 1989, as in Charleston, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Charleston 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Charleston
What does remediation cost in financial context for Charleston homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in Charleston are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% below the Maine average.
Charleston: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 62% of the Charleston inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Charleston
- 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 Stage 1 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Charleston's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 62% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Charleston, ME