West Scarborough
West Scarborough, ME water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
With about 27,706 residents, West Scarborough ranks as the 4th-largest city in Maine and a small but growing city. Water in West Scarborough is sourced chiefly from rivers, lakes, and groundwater, the backbone of Maine's supply.
The defining water pressure here mirrors the state's: pfas contamination. Maine has been a national focal point for PFAS contamination, particularly on farmland spread with biosolids.
Statewide, Maine recycles about 3% of its wastewater with minimal reuse programs. Locally, West Scarborough faces abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions.
The Maine state profile covers the regional supply outlook; the issues below detail what's driving West Scarborough's water future.
At a glance
- Population ~27,706 (4th-largest in Maine)
- Primary sources: rivers, lakes, and groundwater
- Drought: abnormally dry to moderate conditions
- State reuse rate: ~3% of wastewater
Statewide drought history
% of Maine in severe+ drought (Moderate (D1) now).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Common questions
Is tap water safe in West Scarborough?
West Scarborough is served by community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Statewide, 22.6% of Maine's systems have a recent health-based violation. Check your provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report for local results.
Where does West Scarborough get its water?
West Scarborough draws from the same regional sources that serve Maine: rivers, lakes, groundwater.
Related water issues
PFAS Contamination
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances persist in water supplies for decades. New federal limits are forcing utilities nationwide to invest in advanced treatment.
ExploreAging Infrastructure
Much of America's water infrastructure is decades past its design life, leaking trillions of gallons a year and demanding hundreds of billions in reinvestment.
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