National Drinking Water Database
Alpha particle activity in Maine
Alpha particles are a form of radiation released from mining waste pollutants and natural sources. [read more]
The Most Polluted Communities in Maine
91 water utilities reported detecting Alpha particle activity in tap water since 2004, according to EWG's analysis of water quality data supplied by state water agencies
Ranked by highest average Alpha particle activity level
| Rank | System | Population Served | Positive test results of total reported tests | Average Level (Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Begin Trailer Park Sabattus, ME | 170 | 1 of 1 | 34.1 pCi/L (34.1 pCi/L) |
| 2 | Waldoboro Water Dept. Rockport, ME | 1,000 | 1 of 1 | 27.75 pCi/L (27.75 pCi/L) |
| 3 | Happy Trails Mhp Topsham, ME | 33 | 1 of 1 | 23.6 pCi/L (23.6 pCi/L) |
| 4 | Sandy Creek Housing Portland, ME | 45 | 2 of 2 | 20.1 pCi/L (18.2 to 22 pCi/L) |
| 5 | Canton Point Park Auburn, ME | 73 | 1 of 1 | 17.5 pCi/L (17.5 pCi/L) |
| 6 | Summit Achievement Stow, ME | 64 | 3 of 3 | 10.1 pCi/L (8.9 to 11.4 pCi/L) |
| 7 | Poland Country Village Mhp,inc East Poland, ME | 140 | 3 of 3 | 8.64 pCi/L (8.35 to 8.85 pCi/L) |
| 8 | Brookside Mobile Home Court Newcastle, ME | 88 | 1 of 1 | 7.26 pCi/L (7.26 pCi/L) |
| 9 | Wayfarer Village Brunswick, ME | 98 | 1 of 1 | 6.79 pCi/L (6.79 pCi/L) |
| 10 | Bay Bridge Estates, Llc Brunswick, ME | 1,233 | 1 of 1 | 6.49 pCi/L (6.49 pCi/L) |
Health Based Limits for Alpha particle activity
| Standard | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Contaminant Limit Goal (MCLG) | A non-enforceable health goal that is set at a level at which no known or anticipated adverse effect on the health of persons occurs and which allows an adequate margin of safety. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 0 pCi/L |
| Maximum Contaminant Limit (MCL) | The enforceable standard which defines the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to health-based limits (Maximum Contaminant Level Goals, or MCLGs) as feasible using the best available analytical and treatment technologies and taking cost into consideration. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 15 pCi/L |
Violation Summary for Alpha particle activity in Maine
There are no violations reported for this contaminant in Maine