Portland, ME: 27 Health Violations — 63/100 (2026)
9 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Portland, ME tap water is adequate — the middle-tier grade reflects gaps in specific service areas.
How Portland Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Portland, ME
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Portland's 9 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Portland Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 189 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0019 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.58.
Portland's Water Providers
Residential water service in Portland, ME is divided among 3 separate utilities, drawn from 5 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 9 ZIP codes in Portland, Maine (population ~67,663), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 135,751 people region-wide.
9 of 9 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 27 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Portland: C (63/100)
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
Portland water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0019 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 9 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 70 | 9 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 60 | 9 |
| Barium | Inorganic | 20 | 9 |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 20 | 9 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 20 | 9 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04101 | C | 21 | 3 | Portland Water District-greater |
| 04102 | C | 21 | 3 | Portland Water District-greater |
| 04103 | C | 21 | 3 | Portland Water District-greater |
| 04104 | C | 21 | 3 | Portland Water District-greater |
| 04109 | C | 21 | 3 | Portland Water District-greater |
| 04112 | C | 21 | 3 | Portland Water District-greater |
| 04122 | C | 21 | 3 | Portland Water District-greater |
| 04123 | C | 21 | 3 | Portland Water District-greater |
| 04124 | C | 21 | 3 | Portland Water District-greater |
All ZIP Codes in Portland
- 04101 [C] — 21 violations ⚠
- 04102 [C] — 21 violations ⚠
- 04103 [C] — 21 violations ⚠
- 04104 [C] — 21 violations ⚠
- 04109 [C] — 21 violations ⚠
- 04112 [C] — 21 violations ⚠
- 04122 [C] — 21 violations ⚠
- 04123 [C] — 21 violations ⚠
- 04124 [C] — 21 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.
Portland 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 Portland's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Portland
Setting Portland remediation figures against its property market, the resulting ratio sits comfortably in the low tier — a classification that reflects the kind of household financial position where most homeowners can identify documented issues, schedule the work, and absorb the cost without it registering as a significant budget disruption.
Remediation costs in Portland are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,633–$4,156 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 131% above the Maine average.
Portland: 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.
Lead risk in Portland appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Portland: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Portland's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 67 NFIP claims on record and 56% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Portland has a moderate flood history with 67 FEMA claims averaging $17,827 per payout. 56% 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>$2,600</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.
What You Can Do in Portland
- 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 Surface Water Treatment Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Portland's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Portland, ME