South Portland, ME: High Radon Risk — 43/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-04
For households across South Portland, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by ME EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How South Portland Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
What You Should Know About South Portland Water
- Estimated remediation: $2,100 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.38.
Who Supplies Your Water in South Portland
Because residential water in South Portland, ME flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in South Portland, Maine (population ~26,966), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 135,068 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in South Portland — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Portland: D (43/100)
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
South Portland water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for South Portland
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04106 | D | PORTLAND WATER DISTRICT-GREATER | 135,068 |
| 04116 | D | PORTLAND WATER DISTRICT-GREATER | 135,068 |
All ZIP Codes in South Portland
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 South Portland
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for South Portland Homeowners
Because property values in South Portland comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in South Portland are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,400–$2,750 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 55% above the Maine average.
Flood & Climate Risk in South Portland
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, South Portland has accumulated 14 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 50% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
South Portland has a moderate flood history with 14 FEMA claims averaging $27,387 per payout. 50% 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>$2,100</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 South 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 South Portland, ME