Water Quality in Northeast Harbor, ME: 10 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Northeast Harbor's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Northeast Harbor, ME — 10 compliance events documented in the federal drinking water record.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Northeast Harbor
Water quality varies across Northeast Harbor's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04662 | C | 61 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Northeast Harbor, Maine receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Northeast Harbor have accumulated 10 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,488 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Northeast Harbor's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Northeast Harbor water systems is 0.0025 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 70% of homes built before 1986, Northeast Harbor 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
Northeast Harbor 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 Northeast Harbor
Northeast Harbor is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,488 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 Northeast Harbor. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Northeast Harbor
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 Northeast Harbor Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Northeast Harbor's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Northeast Harbor. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-17 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-10-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-06-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-30 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-05-16 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-15.
Northeast Harbor vs. Nearby Maine Cities
How Northeast Harbor's water quality compares to similar cities in Maine:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Harbor | C | 10 | 2 | 2,488 |
| Mount Desert | C | 10 | 2 | 2,488 |
| Bass Harbor | D | 0 | 1 | 2,480 |
| Bernard | D | 0 | 1 | 2,480 |
Common Questions About Northeast Harbor Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Northeast Harbor, Maine:
Is Northeast Harbor water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Northeast Harbor's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Northeast Harbor tap water? Northeast Harbor's water receives a grade of C (61/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Northeast Harbor? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Northeast Harbor vs. Maine Average
Understanding how Northeast Harbor 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 Northeast Harbor.
ZIP Codes in Northeast Harbor
Northeast Harbor spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 04662. 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.