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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.
Real EPA measurements of uranium for Maine water systems — Six-Year Review compliance samples 2012–2019 (historical). Methodology
These cities have uranium levels above the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 30 ug/L
| City | Level | % of Limit | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 50.05 ug/L | 166.8% | 135,068 |
Every Maine system with a uranium result in EPA's data, sorted by level. Averages of 2012–2019 finished-water samples, non-detects counted as zero — historical, not today's tap.
| City | Level | Period | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PortlandGrade B | 50.05 ug/LAverage of 4 samples | 2012–2019 | 30.00 ug/L | 166.8% | Exceeds Limit |
| AugustaGrade A | 2.78 ug/LAverage of 5 samples | 2012–2019 | 30.00 ug/L | 9.3% | Safe |
| SanfordGrade C | 0.721 ug/LAverage of 14 samples | 2012–2019 | 30.00 ug/L | 2.4% | Safe |
| BangorGrade A | 0.422 ug/LAverage of 5 samples | 2012–2019 | 30.00 ug/L | 1.4% | Safe |
| BrunswickGrade A | 0.367 ug/LAverage of 6 samples | 2012–2019 | 30.00 ug/L | 1.2% | Safe |
| BiddefordGrade A | 0 ug/LAverage of 5 samples | 2012–2019 | 30.00 ug/L | 0.0% | Safe |
| SacoGrade A | 0 ug/LAverage of 5 samples | 2012–2019 | 30.00 ug/L | 0.0% | Safe |
| LewistonGrade A | 0 ug/LAverage of 5 samples | 2012–2019 | 30.00 ug/L | 0.0% | Safe |
| WatervilleGrade B | 0 ug/LAverage of 4 samples | 2012–2019 | 30.00 ug/L | 0.0% | Safe |
| AuburnGrade A | 0 ug/LAverage of 5 samples | 2012–2019 | 30.00 ug/L | 0.0% | Safe |
| Presque IsleGrade A | 0 ug/LAverage of 6 samples | 2012–2019 | 30.00 ug/L | 0.0% | Safe |
Uranium poses both chemical and radiological health risks. As a heavy metal, uranium is toxic to the kidneys and can cause kidney damage and eventual kidney failure with long-term exposure. As a radioactive element, uranium exposure increases cancer risk, particularly bone cancer due to accumulation in bones. The chemical toxicity to kidneys is the primary concern at levels found in drinking water.
Erosion of natural deposits; common in certain geologic formations, especially granite
Based on our analysis of EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) data and local water utility reports,uranium has been detected in 11 Maine water systems. The average level across all tested cities is 16% of the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), with the highest detection at 166.8% of the limit.
Warning: 1 Maine city exceeds the EPA limit for uranium. Residents in these areas should consider water filtration options and consult with their local water utility.
The EPA MCL for uranium is 30 micrograms per liter (30 ppb). The EPA MCL for uranium is 30 ug/L. This limit is set to protect public health based on available scientific evidence about the contaminant's health effects.
11 Maine cities have uranium detected in their water supply. Of these, 1 city exceeds EPA safety limits.
Kidney damage and potential kidney failure, increased cancer risk. The most vulnerable groups include people with kidney disease and pregnant women.
The most effective methods for removing uranium include Reverse Osmosis, Strong Base Anion Exchange, Distillation. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI for uranium reduction.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for uranium is 30 ug/L.The EPA MCL for uranium is 30 micrograms per liter (30 ppb).
This page shows what Maine utilities reported for uranium. It cannot tell you what is coming out of your own tap: utility samples are taken across a whole system and averaged, levels vary by address and season, and anything picked up after the water leaves the main never appears in their report.
Home water test kitscheck your own tap before buying any filterRecommended filtration methods for uranium removal:
Removes 95-98% of uranium
Very effective for uranium
Effective removal
Paid links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Filters are matched to the removal methods listed above for uranium.