Water Quality in Sorrento, ME: 13 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 33/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Sorrento's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA files for Sorrento, ME document 13 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Sorrento
Water quality varies across Sorrento's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04677 | F | 33 | 13 | 11 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Sorrento.
Water Quality Overview
Sorrento, Maine receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 33 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Sorrento have accumulated 13 EPA violations, including 11 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 308 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Sorrento's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Sorrento water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 54% of homes built before 1986, Sorrento 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
Sorrento 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 Sorrento
Sorrento is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 308 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 Sorrento. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Sorrento
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 Sorrento Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Sorrento's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 11 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 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 Sorrento:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have decreased from 4 in 2023 to 3 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Sorrento. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-06 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-09 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-04-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-24 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-03-24 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-01-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-07 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-01-07 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-11.
Sorrento vs. Nearby Maine Cities
How Sorrento's water quality compares to similar cities in Maine:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorrento | F | 13 | 1 | 308 |
| Gouldsboro | D | 0 | 1 | 308 |
| Sullivan | F | 13 | 1 | 308 |
| Bingham | C | 7 | 1 | 313 |
Common Questions About Sorrento Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Sorrento, Maine:
Is Sorrento water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Sorrento's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Sorrento tap water? Sorrento's water receives a grade of F (33/100). There are 11 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Sorrento? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Sorrento vs. Maine Average
Understanding how Sorrento 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 Sorrento.
ZIP Codes in Sorrento
Sorrento spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 04677. 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.