Water Quality in New Hampshire: Complete Guide
Everything homeowners need to know about New Hampshire tap water - hardness, contaminants, treatment options, and costs.
Quick summary: New Hampshire has an average water hardness of 24 PPM across 6 cities. 0% of cities have hard water above 120 PPM. PFAS contamination is detected above EPA limits in at least one city. Most households do not need water softening equipment.
Water Hardness Across New Hampshire
New Hampshire's water hardness ranges from 15 PPM in Keene to 31 PPM in Manchester, with a statewide average of 24 PPM. This makes New Hampshire one of the softer-water states. The national average is approximately 120 PPM.
Most New Hampshire cities use surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs), which generally has lower mineral content than groundwater.
Contaminants of Concern in New Hampshire
PFAS: The average PFAS level across New Hampshire cities is 1.5 ppt. Manchester has the highest detected PFAS at 4.5 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. Residents should consider a reverse osmosis or NSF P473-certified filter for drinking water.
Lead: Lead contamination comes from plumbing infrastructure, not the water source. New Hampshire homes built before 1986 are at higher risk due to lead solder. All cities in our database show lead levels below 5 ppb.
Do You Need a Water Softener in New Hampshire?
For most New Hampshire residents, no. Only 0% of cities have hard water above 120 PPM. However, individual situations vary - check your city page for specific data.
Impact of Hard Water in New Hampshire
With an average hardness of 24 PPM, most New Hampshire households do not face significant hard water impact. However, homes with hardness above 120 PPM should evaluate treatment options.