Lead Service Lines in Poland, ME
Poland serves about 93,339 people through 23 different water systems. Currently, there are no confirmed lead service lines reported in the inventories we track for this area.
That's good news—but it doesn't mean lead isn't present. Many water systems, especially smaller ones, are still completing their lead service line surveys. The absence of a reported number often means the inventory work is ongoing, not that lead lines definitely don't exist.
How lead gets into your water
Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home to the public water main. They were installed widely before 1986, when federal rules began phasing them out. If your home was built before the late 1980s and has a lead service line, water sitting in that pipe overnight or over several hours can pick up lead—especially if the water is corrosive (acidic or low in minerals that coat the pipe).
The only way to know if your home has a lead service line is to contact your water utility or have a licensed plumber check the line where it enters your house.
Your water utility
The largest system serving Poland is Maine Water Company Biddeford Saco Division, which serves about 42,508 people. Other major systems include Maine Water Company Camden & Rockland (21,315 people), Skowhegan Division (6,105 people), Millinocket Division (5,400 people), and Oakland Division (2,873 people).
Each utility maintains its own lead service line inventory. Some may still be in the process of surveying their lines. Contact your local water utility directly to ask:
- Does your system have any known lead service lines?
- Does your home have a lead service line?
- What testing and treatment do they recommend?
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility and ask if your address is served and whether any lead service lines have been found in your area or on your property.
- Have a plumber inspect where the service line enters your house if you want to confirm whether yours is lead.
- If you're concerned about lead exposure, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline (1-800-CDC-INFO) for guidance on testing and health steps.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking, and let water run for 30 seconds before use if pipes have sat unused for several hours.