Cushing, ME Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
The latest EPA cycle for Cushing shows a low safety grade within ME — compliance gaps have persisted over multiple reporting periods, and the city currently holds a low grade in available EPA data.
How Cushing Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Cushing Water
- Homes built before 1986: 54% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.24 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Cushing
Supply infrastructure in Cushing, ME runs through a single dominant provider — the main entity among 1 tracked system through which rate decisions, infrastructure work, and federal compliance are managed.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Cushing, Maine, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,407 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Cushing — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cushing: D (53/100)
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
Cushing water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Cushing
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04563 | D | FRIENDSHIP WATER DEPARTMENT | 85 |
All ZIP Codes in Cushing
- 04563 [D]
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 Cushing
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Cushing
With 54% 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 Cushing — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1986 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Cushing 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 Cushing Homeowners
In Cushing, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Cushing are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 43% above the Maine average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Cushing
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: 54% of Cushing 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.
What You Can Do in Cushing
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 54% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cushing, ME