BAR HARBOR, Maine Tap Water Quality

4,548 people served · 2 water systems

Poor

BAR HARBOR, Maine is a small town with 4,548 residents served by 2 public water systems. Water service covers ZIP code 04609.

BAR HARBOR has a notable pattern of EPA health-based violations across multiple compliance periods. Filtered water is a reasonable precaution while the utility implements long-term corrective action.

EPA reporting identifies Arsenic among the regulated contaminants associated with BAR HARBOR's recent health-based violations. Each contaminant has different sources, health implications, and recommended mitigation steps — links to the full EPA reference for each are listed alongside the violation history below.

Last updated: 2026-05-18 · Source: EPA SDWIS

Location

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Centered on ZIP-code centroids of water systems serving this city.

ZIP Codes Served

04609

Health-Based Violations (Last 5 Years)

EPA Maximum Contaminant Level exceedances reported by water systems serving BAR HARBOR. Each entry explains the contaminant, the health risk, and recommended precautions, and links to a full guide.

Arsenicchemical

EPA Code 1005 · Maximum Contaminant Level Exceedance

violations

EPA Limit

0.01 mg/L

Last Reading

.011 MG/L

First Reported

Jan 2021

Most Recent

Apr 2021

What this violation means

Arsenic is a known human carcinogen that occurs naturally in groundwater across many parts of the United States, especially the Southwest and parts of New England. Long-term exposure even at low levels has been linked to bladder, lung, and skin cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease and developmental effects in children.

Recommended precautions

→Reverse osmosis filtration removes arsenic effectively.
→Distillation also removes arsenic — point-of-use distillers work for drinking and cooking water.
→Boiling does NOT remove arsenic. It actually concentrates it as water evaporates.
→If your well water has arsenic, test annually and treat at the point of entry.

Read the complete guide to Arsenic

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Health-based violations only. Older violations may have been resolved; check your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report for current status.

Water Systems Serving BAR HARBOR

TOWN OF BAR HARBOR- WATER DIVISION

PWSID: ME0090120

4,443 served

BIRCH TREE MEADOWS MHP

PWSID: ME0095663

105 served

10 violations

What Can You Do?

✅ Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — required by law.
✅ Use an NSF-certified water filter if violations involve lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
✅ Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if you have older plumbing (reduces lead).
✅ Check back monthly — we update data from the EPA every 30 days.

About this data

This overview reflects EPA SDWIS data published as of 2026-05-18. It covers active Community Water Systems (CWS) that exceeded federal Maximum Contaminant Levels during the past five-year EPA reporting window. For up-to-the-minute information, request a current Consumer Confidence Report from your utility, or review the EPA's public dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BAR HARBOR, Maine tap water safe to drink?▼

This city's water had significant EPA violations in the last 5 years.

How many EPA violations does BAR HARBOR have?▼

BAR HARBOR has 10 EPA health-based water violations in the last 5 years across 2 water systems serving 4,548 people.

What contaminants have been found in BAR HARBOR water?▼

The following EPA-regulated contaminants have been detected: 1005. View details about each contaminant, health effects, and recommended precautions above in the violations table.

Should I use a water filter in BAR HARBOR?▼

Using an NSF-certified water filter is recommended if your area has violations involving lead, arsenic, or PFAS. For other contaminants, consult your local water utility. Check the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for detailed guidance.

What should I do if there are violations in BAR HARBOR?▼

Request your water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is required by the EPA. Follow the utility's guidance on boil water advisories. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if you have older plumbing. Use an NSF-certified filter if needed based on your water system's violations.