Portland Water District-greater
EPA ID: ME0091300 · 135,068 people served · 28 ZIP codes
Federal data shows 8 unresolved violations at Portland Water District-greater — roughly 135,068 residents in the service area.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Compliance Trajectory
Stable · Risk tier: High · 95% chance of violation in next 12 months
Violations went from 12 (2022) to 6 (2023). Violation counts have remained relatively steady.
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Portland Water District-greater Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade C
Service Area Demographics
The Portland Water District-greater serves a community with a median household income of $90,682 and an estimated 235,885 residents across its service area. Approximately 68% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Portland Water District-greater's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.
About 1% of homes in Cumberland County, Maine rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 60th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Portland Water District-greater compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Lead at 2 mg/L (action level) exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.015 mg/L (action level). Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults. Consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.08 mg/L. Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.
Surface Water Treatment Rule at 7 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Gross Alpha at 6 pCi/L exceeds the EPA maximum of pCi/L. Increased cancer risk from radioactive particles. Consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Stage 1 DBP Rule at 6 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
PFAS Detected in Service Area
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 15 detections recorded. 3 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS).
Lead was detected in this water system. reverse osmosis filtration can reduce exposure.
Find a certified water filter →Comparable Water Systems
Similar-sized systems in Maine
Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
PORTLAND WATER DISTRICT-GREATER (EPA ID: ME0091300) is a community water system in Maine that serves approximately 135,068 people from surface water sources.
This system provides water to 28 ZIP codes across 19 communities.
Average Home Safety Score: C (55/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 30, 2024 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| December 1, 2024 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| October 1, 2024 | Barium | Health-based | Resolved |
| September 29, 2024 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2024 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2024 | Barium | Health-based | Resolved |
| February 14, 2024 | Lead and Copper Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| December 30, 2023 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Gross Alpha | Health-based | Unresolved |
| September 8, 2023 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| August 18, 2023 | Total Coliform | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Gross Beta | Health-based | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| June 9, 2023 | Lead and Copper Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| April 1, 2023 | Gross Alpha | Health-based | Unresolved |
| January 1, 2023 | Lead | Monitoring | Resolved |
| January 1, 2023 | Gross Alpha | Health-based | Unresolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Failure | 7 | No |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 6 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 6 | Yes |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 | Yes |
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | Yes |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Failure | 2 | No |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting Failure | 2 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 1 | No |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 1 | No |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 1 | Yes |
Health Risk Details
Gross Alpha Particle Activity (EPA limit: pCi/L)
Increased cancer risk from radioactive particles At-risk groups: long-term residents in areas with uranium or radium-rich geology, people on private wells in western US.
Removal methods: reverse osmosis, ion exchange (anion exchange for radium), lime softening. Find the right filter →
Lead (EPA limit: 0.015 mg/L (action level))
Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults At-risk groups: infants, children under 6, pregnant women.
Removal methods: reverse osmosis, distillation, certified carbon block filter (NSF/ANSI 53). Find the right filter →
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04096 | 0.00952 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04071 | 0.0059 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04062 | 0.0058 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04092 | 0.0058 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04101 | 0.0019 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04102 | 0.0019 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04103 | 0.0019 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04104 | 0.0019 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04109 | 0.0019 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04112 | 0.0019 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04122 | 0.0019 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04123 | 0.0019 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04124 | 0.0019 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04038 | 0.00074 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 04084 | 0.0007 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
Coverage: 22 ZIP codes confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 6 additional ZIPs inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.
- 04017 — Chebeague Island
- 04019 — Cliff Island
- 04021 — Cumberland Center
- 04038 — Gorham
- 04050 — Long Island
- 04062 — Windham
- 04071 — Raymond
- 04074 — Scarborough
- 04084 — Standish
- 04085 — Steep Falls
- 04092 — Westbrook
- 04096 — Yarmouth
- 04097 — North Yarmouth
- 04101 — Portland
- 04102 — Portland
- 04103 — Portland
- 04104 — Portland
- 04105 — Falmouth
- 04106 — South Portland
- 04107 — Cape Elizabeth
- 04108 — Peaks Island
- 04109 — Portland
- 04110 — Cumberland Foreside
- 04112 — Portland
- 04116 — South Portland
- 04122 — Portland
- 04123 — Portland
- 04124 — Portland
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Portland Water District-greater (ME0091300) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland Water District-greater water safe to drink?
Portland Water District-greater has recorded 7 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.
How many people does Portland Water District-greater serve?
Portland Water District-greater serves approximately 135,068 people across 28 ZIP codes in Maine.
Where does Portland Water District-greater get its water?
The primary water source is surface water.
Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Tested Clean
This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). No PFAS compounds were detected.
Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.
Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.
Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.
Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.
Aesthetic water quality
These measurements describe the look, taste, and feel of the water this utility delivers. They are not contaminant violations — they sit alongside federal Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCLs) which the EPA publishes as non-enforceable guidance.
Aesthetic measurements from Portland Water District Consumer Confidence Report.
Aesthetic measurements are reported by the utility from its annual sampling. EPA Secondary MCLs are advisory thresholds — values outside them indicate aesthetic concerns such as taste or appearance, not health violations. Federal contaminant testing is shown in the sections above.
Hard water detected in Portland Water District
Your utility reported water hardness of 220.9 ppm CaCO₃ (12.9 grains per gallon) in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report. This is in the hard range and may cause scale buildup, reduced appliance lifespan, and dry skin or hair.
There are three common approaches to treating hard water: salt-based ion-exchange softeners (most effective, require salt refills), salt-free conditioners (lower maintenance, scale prevention only), and reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink (cooking and drinking water only). Aquasana, EcoWater, Pelican, and SpringWell are among the major US brands.
Paid Partner. ZipCheckup earns commission on Aquasana purchases. We do not test water or verify product effectiveness for specific hardness levels — manufacturer claims are theirs alone. Consult a certified water-quality professional for personalized advice.
Hardness data parsed from this utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report. Severity bands per USGS hard water classification.
How Water Systems Appear in Rankings
Water systems are evaluated by violation history, contaminant detections, and service population. Larger systems with more service connections appear in more rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Portland Water District-greater (EPA ID: ME0091300) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.