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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Analysis of nitrates contamination levels across Maine cities
Complete list of cities where nitrates has been detected, sorted by level
| City | Level | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LewistonGrade B+ | 0.295 mg/L | 1.00 mg/L | 29.5% | Safe |
| GorhamGrade B | 0.278 mg/L | 1.00 mg/L | 27.8% | Safe |
| WatervilleGrade B- | 1.95 mg/L | 10.00 mg/L | 19.5% | Safe |
| South PortlandGrade C+ | 1.51 mg/L | 10.00 mg/L | 15.1% | Safe |
| SacoGrade A- | 1.40 mg/L | 10.00 mg/L | 14.0% | Safe |
| PortlandGrade A- | 0.138 mg/L | 1.00 mg/L | 13.8% | Safe |
| SanfordGrade A+ | 1.35 mg/L | 10.00 mg/L | 13.5% | Safe |
| Presque IsleGrade A- | 1.33 mg/L | 10.00 mg/L | 13.3% | Safe |
| AugustaGrade A- | 0.123 mg/L | 1.00 mg/L | 12.3% | Safe |
| BiddefordGrade A- | 1.16 mg/L | 10.00 mg/L | 11.6% | Safe |
| ScarboroughGrade A- | 0.105 mg/L | 1.00 mg/L | 10.5% | Safe |
| BangorGrade A- | 0.076 mg/L | 1.00 mg/L | 7.6% | Safe |
| WestbrookGrade A- | 0.043 mg/L | 1.00 mg/L | 4.3% | Safe |
| BrunswickGrade B- | 0.307 mg/L | 10.00 mg/L | 3.1% | Safe |
| AuburnGrade B+ | 0.021 mg/L | 1.00 mg/L | 2.1% | Safe |
Nitrates pose the greatest risk to infants under six months of age. High nitrate levels can cause methemoglobinemia, also known as "blue baby syndrome," which reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Pregnant women are also at risk as nitrate exposure has been linked to neural tube defects, preterm birth, and low birth weight. IMPORTANT: Boiling water does NOT remove nitrates - it concentrates them.
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks; erosion of natural deposits; agricultural runoff
Based on our analysis of EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) data and local water utility reports,nitrates has been detected in 15 Maine water systems. The average level across all tested cities is 13% of the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), with the highest detection at 29.5% of the limit.
The EPA MCL for nitrate is 10 mg/L measured as nitrogen. The EPA MCL for nitrates is 10 mg/L. This limit is set to protect public health based on available scientific evidence about the contaminant's health effects.
15 Maine cities have nitrates detected in their water supply. All tested cities are within EPA safety limits.
Blue baby syndrome in infants, pregnancy complications, potential cancer risk. The most vulnerable groups include infants under 6 months and pregnant women.
The most effective methods for removing nitrates include Reverse Osmosis, Ion Exchange, Distillation. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI for nitrates reduction.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrates is 10 mg/L.The EPA MCL for nitrate is 10 mg/L measured as nitrogen.
Recommended filtration methods for nitrates removal:
Removes 83-92% of nitrates
Specifically designed for nitrate removal
Effective but energy-intensive