LeadPipeLookup

New Hampshire › City overview

Lead service lines in Manchester, NH

48 water utilities serve Manchester, with approximately 129,727 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
—

Lead service lines in Manchester, NH

Manchester's water systems serve nearly 130,000 people across the city. Right now, there's no public record of confirmed lead service lines in the area—but that doesn't mean there are none. Many older cities across the US have lead lines that haven't been fully inventoried yet.

What we know

Manchester Water Works, the largest utility in the city, serves about 123,500 residents. Four smaller systems—Nouria 1167, Ferndale Acres Campground, Camp Foster, and Hidden Valley/Dining Hall—serve the rest. None of these utilities has reported a known count of lead service lines in their public records so far.

This gap in data is common. Lead service line inventories are still being completed across New Hampshire and the nation. A utility may not have counted all its lines yet, or the count may exist but isn't public.

Should you be concerned?

Manchester was built largely in the late 1800s and early 1900s—the era when lead pipes were standard. Homes constructed before 1950 are more likely to have lead service lines (the pipes connecting your house to the main water line). Even if your home is newer, older neighboring pipes can still affect water quality.

Lead is a real health risk, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. But exposure depends on whether your specific line contains lead—and even then, on factors like water chemistry and pipe condition.

How to find out if your line has lead

Contact Manchester Water Works (or your local utility if you're outside the main service area) and ask:

  • Does your utility have a lead service line map or inventory?
  • Do they know whether your address has a lead line?
  • Can they test your water for lead?

Get your water tested. A simple test costs $20–50 and shows lead levels in the water actually coming from your tap. This is more useful than knowing about your pipes alone, because it tells you whether lead is actually reaching your home right now.

Next steps for residents

  • Call your water utility and ask about lead service line inventories and free or low-cost water testing.
  • If you have a young child or are pregnant, request testing even if you don't know your line status.
  • Ask about line replacement programs—some utilities offer cost-sharing or assistance for lead line removal.
  • Visit the EPA's lead and copper page for more information on testing and treatment.

Utilities serving Manchester

Common questions

Does Manchester have lead in the water?

Manchester Water Works and other local utilities have not reported confirmed lead service lines on their current inventories. However, older cities often have lead lines that haven't been fully counted. The only way to know if lead is in your water is to test it.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Contact your water utility and ask if they have a lead service line map for your address. You can also request a visual inspection of the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft and gray, copper is shiny and reddish, and galvanized steel is gray and bumpy.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Manchester?

Manchester Water Works tests water regularly for safety. To know your specific risk, get your tap water tested for lead. Most homes don't have lead lines, and even homes with lead lines may have safe water depending on conditions.

How much does lead testing cost?

A basic lead test usually costs $20–50 through a private lab. Some water utilities offer free or subsidized testing. Contact Manchester Water Works to ask about programs available to you.