If you live in southern Maine and rely on a private well for your drinking water, there is one contaminant you need to know about: arsenic. Maine consistently ranks among the top states in the country for arsenic levels in groundwater — not because of industrial pollution, but because of the very geology that makes our state so beautiful. The granite and metamorphic bedrock beneath our feet naturally releases arsenic into groundwater, and for well owners across York, Cumberland, and Androscoggin counties, that means the risk is closer to home than most people realize.
Why Arsenic Is So Dangerous
What makes arsenic particularly alarming is that it is completely undetectable without testing. It has no color, no odor, and no taste. You could be drinking arsenic-contaminated water every day and have no idea. Long-term exposure — even at low levels — has been linked to serious health conditions including bladder, lung, and skin cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease and developmental issues in children. The EPA sets the maximum contaminant level for arsenic in public water at 10 parts per billion, but private wells are not regulated, meaning there is no agency monitoring your water for you.
Who Is Most at Risk in Maine?
While arsenic can be found in well water across the entire state, southern Maine has some of the highest documented concentrations. Studies from the Maine CDC and the U.S. Geological Survey have identified elevated arsenic levels throughout York County, parts of Cumberland County, and communities along the Androscoggin River corridor. Homes with older, deeper drilled wells in these areas are at the greatest risk. If your home was built before 2000 and you have never had your well tested for arsenic, you are overdue.
What You Can Do About It
The good news is that arsenic in well water is a completely solvable problem. Point-of-use systems, such as reverse osmosis filters installed under your kitchen sink, are highly effective at reducing arsenic to safe levels. Whole-house treatment systems are also available for households where full-home protection is the priority. The first and most important step is simply knowing what is in your water — and that starts with a comprehensive well water test.
Ready to find out what's in your water? Book your water test online — it takes just a few minutes and could make all the difference for your family's health.
At Fontus Water Treatment, we specialize in Maine well water and understand the unique contaminant risks that come with living in our region. Our team will test your water, walk you through the results, and help you choose the right solution for your home and budget. Don't wait — your family's water shouldn't be a guessing game.
Contact FONTUS Water Treatment at (207) 865-8165 to schedule your free consultation today.