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Cumberland Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Good news for Cumberland residents — your tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards. At just 35.7 ppm (2.1 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.

A

Safe to Drink

Meets all EPA standards

2.1 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

1.9ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Soft water

35.7ppm
0100300+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

0total

Clean record

View EPA report →

Is Cumberland Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Cumberland tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards.

Lead — Lead (1.9 ppb) is at 13% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 135K people in the Cumberland area.

Based on publicly available data from EPA Water Quality Portal (Various). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.

Do I Need a Water Filter?

Cumberland tap water meets all current EPA standards. No additional filtration is required based on available test data. For extra peace of mind, a basic carbon filter can improve taste.

How Hard is Cumberland Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

35.7 ppm

2.1 grains per gallon

Soft

Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.

Estimated from 1 neighboring county. Actual values may vary.

Impact on Your Home

Shower

Great for skin & hair

Kitchen

No water spots

Laundry

Clothes stay soft

Appliances

No scale buildup

Regional Comparison

Cumberland
35.7
Maine
30
US Average
100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.

Based on 1 water samples from Cumberland County

Your pipes tell a different story

The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Cumberland tap water.

Test Your WaterSee top-rated kits →

Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.

Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Cumberland

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

1.9 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Cumberland lead levels are well below the EPA action level.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2023-12-31

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues

How to Reduce Exposure

  • •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
  • •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
  • •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
  • •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986

EPA Compliance History

Excellent Record

No violations in past 3 years

This utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.

3-Year Violation Summary

0

Total Violations

0

Health-Related

0

Administrative

All past violations resolved

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Cumberland

Who Provides Cumberland's Water?

Utility Name

PORTLAND WATER DISTRICT-GREATER

EPA System ID (PWSID)

ME0091300

Primary Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

135K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Cumberland tap water quality

Based on the most recent available data, Cumberland tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards with no health-based violations in the past 3 years. Lead levels are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Cumberland has soft water with a hardness of 35.7 ppm (2.1 grains per gallon). Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Lead levels (1.9 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Cumberland's tap water is provided by PORTLAND WATER DISTRICT-GREATER. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is ME0091300. The primary water source is Surface Water. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Cumberland tap water meets all current EPA standards. No additional filtration is required based on available test data. For extra peace of mind, a basic carbon filter can improve taste.
Cumberland's water utility has had no violations in the past 3 years, indicating excellent compliance with EPA drinking water regulations.
Cumberland's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a standard practice required by the EPA to prevent waterborne illness. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Cumberland's tap water primarily comes from surface water sources. Surface water is collected from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, then treated before distribution. The water is provided by PORTLAND WATER DISTRICT-GREATER.

Nearby Cities in Maine

Standish

Soft water

Gorham

Soft water

Scarborough

Soft water

Raymond

Soft water

Cape Elizabeth

Soft water

Falmouth

Soft water

View all Maine cities

This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology

Data source: EPA Water Quality Portal (environmental samples, not verified tap water)