Skip to main content
WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 04238 Water Quality Report

Hebron, ME · Oxford County County

Safety Score
D

Water Safety Grade

Poor — Multiple violations recorded

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

5

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

0

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 3 unresolved violations. Contact Buckfield Village Corporation for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 04238

Tap water in ZIP code 04238 (Hebron, ME) has received a D grade (score: 48/100) — below average for the nation. Buckfield Village Corporation has recorded notable violations with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. Residents may want to consider additional filtration and review their annual Consumer Confidence Report.

Water System

Buckfield Village Corporation

EPA ID: ME0090270

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

425 residents

County

Oxford County County, Maine

🧪

Lead Levels in ZIP 04238

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Data Not Available

Lead testing data was not found in EPA records for ZIP code 04238. This may occur with very small systems or systems that report under a parent utility. Contact Buckfield Village Corporation directly to request lead testing results or a copy of their Consumer Confidence Report.

Lead exposure risk in 04238 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 46% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

46%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
📋

Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Buckfield Village Corporation has recorded 5 violations, but none are health-based. Administrative or reporting violations don't directly indicate unsafe water, but they do signal gaps in documentation or monitoring procedures. 3 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
5
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
3
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Buckfield Village Corporation has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

⚗️

Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 04238. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Buckfield Village Corporation — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
🌊

Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

3.63%

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 04238 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Buckfield Village Corporation to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 04238 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 04238?+
Tap water in 04238 has a below-average water quality grade of D. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 04238 tap water?+
Lead level data from EPA monitoring is not available for 04238. Contact Buckfield Village Corporation directly for the most recent lead testing results.
Who provides tap water to 04238?+
Tap water in ZIP code 04238 is provided by Buckfield Village Corporation (EPA ID: ME0090270). This system serves approximately 425 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 04238?+
ZIP code 04238 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 04238 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 3 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Buckfield Village Corporation for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 04238?+
Your water utility — Buckfield Village Corporation — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Buckfield Village Corporation Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 04238?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 04238, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 04238 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 04238 shows no available lead data — we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter as a precaution for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 04238 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Buckfield Village Corporation. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →