Bristol Town Spring, Bristol, ME 04539

## Overview Bristol Town Spring is a beloved local landmark nestled in the heart of Bristol, Maine, along scenic Bristol Road in Lincoln County. For decades, this natural spring served as a communal drinking water source for townspeople, and its presence speaks to a long tradition of shared public water access common in New England communities. The spring water flows naturally from a metal faucet into a cement trough that was constructed by local residents. A shaded sitting area has been built alongside the spring, making it a pleasant roadside stop right in the center of town, adjacent to the Bristol Diner. The spring is publicly accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no cost. **Important water quality note:** While the spring was historically used as a drinking water source by Bristol residents for many decades, the town now advises against drinking the water due to elevated bacteria levels detected in testing. Additionally, the spring has been reported to run dry on occasion as the town works to address water quality concerns. Visitors should be aware of these advisories before consuming the water. ## Directions The spring is located at **1267 Bristol Road, Bristol, ME 04539**. GPS coordinates: **43.957055, -69.509570**. It sits right at a road intersection, on the roadside near the Bristol Diner — easy to spot thanks to its distinctive cement structure. **If starting from the center of Bristol near Ross Pond:** 1. Head northward from Ross Pond on **Old County Road**. 2. After approximately **1.4 miles**, take your first **left turn** onto **Lower Round Pond Road**. 3. Continue on Lower Round Pond Road for about **1.3 miles**. 4. The spring will be visible in its cement structure directly ahead of you, on the opposite side of the road at the intersection. The drive is roughly 2.8 miles and takes about 5–6 minutes. ## What to Expect Bristol Town Spring is a classic New England roadside spring — simple, functional, and steeped in community history. The setup is straightforward: a metal faucet channels the natural spring water into a sturdy cement trough built by locals. The surrounding shaded sitting area provides a comfortable spot to rest, especially welcome during warmer months. The spring is located right along Bristol Road at an intersection, making it very easy to access by car. There is no hike or trail required — you can pull over and walk right up to it. Its proximity to the Bristol Diner makes it a convenient stop if you're exploring the area. Visitors should be aware that the spring has been reported dry in recent times, so water flow is not guaranteed year-round. The town's advisory regarding bacteria levels means the water is no longer officially recommended for drinking, though it remains a cherished piece of Bristol's heritage and a worthwhile stop for anyone passing through this charming midcoast Maine town.