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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 18 cities in New Hampshire
It depends on your utility. 3 of the 18 New Hampshire water systems we grade from EPA records have a health-based violation in the last five years; the state averages 89/100 (2 above the national 87). Lowest graded: Exeter (F). Highest: Nashua (A).
New Hampshire's official certified-lab list, when to test well vs city water, typical lab prices, and how to take a first-draw lead sample.
Across the 18 New Hampshire water systems we can grade from EPA records, the average score is 89/100 — 2 points above the U.S. national average of 87/100. 67% of graded New Hampshire cities (12 of 18) score above that national benchmark, and 12 earn a Grade A. 3 cities have at least one health-based EPA violation in the last five years.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in New Hampshire water systems are disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure) and nitrates (agricultural areas). See the full breakdown in our New Hampshire water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in New Hampshire
88,853 residents
44,215 residents
30,000 residents
29,000 residents
25,500 residents
17,125 residents
16,000 residents
12,200 residents
123,500 residents
25,000 residents
17,370 residents
13,600 residents
21,000 residents
16,700 residents
14,000 residents
33,000 residents
34,000 residents
12,236 residents
This state's water quality reflects local geographic conditions, industrial activities, and water infrastructure. Water quality can vary significantly between communities, with some areas enjoying excellent tap water while others face contamination challenges requiring treatment.
Across the 18 New Hampshire cities graded from EPA records, the average water quality score is 89/100. 1 city scores below 70 (D or F) because of health-based violations, lead results, PFAS or historical readings near a limit. The highest-rated city is Nashua with a score of 100/100, while Exeter has the most room for improvement at 51/100.
1 of the 18 New Hampshire cities we grade score below 70/100. If your city is one of them — or you just want extra protection — a certified filter is the fastest way to reduce exposure. The findings that drag a score down (lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrate) are exactly the ones a basic carbon pitcher does not remove.
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Water sources typically include a combination of surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and groundwater. The specific sources serving your community depend on local geography and infrastructure. Check your local water utility's Consumer Confidence Report for details about your water source.
These contaminants have been detected in various New Hampshire water systems
State environmental and health agencies oversee drinking water quality in compliance with federal EPA standards. Public water systems are required to test regularly and report results to residents through annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
Water quality concerns vary by location. Common issues include lead from older plumbing, agricultural runoff in rural areas, and industrial contamination near manufacturing sites. Check your local water quality report and consider testing if you have specific concerns.
Review your annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand local water quality. Consider having your water tested if you use a private well or have concerns about your plumbing. Water filters certified to remove specific contaminants can address most common water quality issues.
Most New Hampshire cities we grade have tap water in good standing with EPA. With an average score of 89/100 across 18 graded cities, New Hampshire generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by utility, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in New Hampshire include disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure), nitrates (agricultural areas). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 1 New Hampshire cities grading D or F on EPA records, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in New Hampshire are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in New Hampshire water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in New Hampshire. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual New Hampshire city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
On EPA records, Nashua has the highest water quality score in New Hampshire at 100/100 (Grade A). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in New Hampshire page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in New Hampshire are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area