Water Quality in Mars Hill, ME: 16 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 51/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Mars Hill's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for Mars Hill, ME holds 16 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Mars Hill
Water quality varies across Mars Hill's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04758 | D | 51 | 16 | 10 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Mars Hill.
Water Quality Overview
Mars Hill, Maine receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 51 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Mars Hill have accumulated 16 EPA violations, including 10 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,500 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Mars Hill's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Mars Hill water systems is 0.0034 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 76% of homes built before 1986, Mars Hill has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Mars Hill is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Mars Hill
Mars Hill is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,500 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Mars Hill. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Mars Hill
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Mars Hill Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Mars Hill's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 9 | 1 | Yes |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Mars Hill:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | 5 |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have decreased from 5 in 2021 to 2 in 2023, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Mars Hill. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-06-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-04-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-03-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-03-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-03-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-02-29 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-02-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-02-28 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-02-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-02-12 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-06-17.
Mars Hill vs. Nearby Maine Cities
How Mars Hill's water quality compares to similar cities in Maine:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mars Hill | D | 16 | 1 | 1,500 |
| Blaine | D | 0 | 1 | 1,500 |
| Bridgewater | D | 0 | 1 | 1,500 |
| Machias | B | 5 | 2 | 1,479 |
Common Questions About Mars Hill Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Mars Hill, Maine:
Is Mars Hill water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Mars Hill's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Mars Hill tap water? Mars Hill's water receives a grade of D (51/100). There are 10 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Mars Hill? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Mars Hill vs. Maine Average
Understanding how Mars Hill compares to the broader Maine average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Mars Hill.
ZIP Codes in Mars Hill
Mars Hill spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 04758. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.