Lead service lines in Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth has 23 water systems serving about 45,945 residents. The largest utility, Portsmouth Water Works, serves 33,000 people. Right now, none of these systems have reported known lead service lines—but that doesn't mean none exist. Many utilities haven't completed inventories yet, so the true number remains unknown.

What you need to know

Lead service lines (LSLs) are pipes that connect your home's plumbing to the main water line under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead, especially in older neighborhoods. Lead can leach into drinking water, particularly from corrosive water or when pipes are disturbed.

The EPA has set a goal to replace all lead service lines nationwide by 2050, but the timeline varies by utility. Portsmouth's utilities don't currently report LSL inventories to the public, which is common for New Hampshire systems.

How to find out if you have a lead service line

1. Contact your water utility directly. Portsmouth Water Works (the main provider) can tell you whether your service line is documented as lead, galvanized, or copper. Call or visit their website for inventory status.

2. Check your home's age and location. Homes built before 1980, especially in Portsmouth's older neighborhoods, carry higher risk.

3. Request a water test. If you're unsure, the EPA recommends testing for lead. Your utility may offer this service, or you can hire a certified lab (costs typically $25–$75).

4. Inspect visible pipes. If your basement or crawlspace shows exposed service lines, you can look for dull gray metal (lead) versus shiny copper or silver (safe materials). A plumber can also inspect for you.

What happens next

Even if your service line is lead, your water can be safe. Using a water filter certified for lead (NSF/ANSI 53 standard) is an affordable interim step. Run cold water before drinking, and never use hot tap water for cooking or baby formula, as heat increases lead leaching.

If you rent, contact your landlord or property manager—they're responsible for testing and disclosure in New Hampshire.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Portsmouth Water Works (or your local utility from the list above) and ask: "Do you have an inventory of lead service lines in my area? Is my address documented?"
• Test your water if you're concerned—your utility can guide you to approved labs.
• Install a certified lead filter on your tap while you wait for service line information.
• Call your pediatrician if household members are young children; they can advise on testing blood lead levels.

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```json [ { "q": "Does Portsmouth have lead in the water?", "a": "Portsmouth Water Works and smaller utilities in the area have not reported known lead service lines yet. However, inventories are incomplete. Lead risk depends on your home's age and service line material. Testing your tap water is the most reliable way to know your exposure." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact your water utility and ask if your address is in their inventory. You can also check your home's age (pre-1980 homes have higher risk) and inspect visible pipes in your basement. A plumber can confirm the material." }, { "q": "What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?", "a": "Use a water filter certified for lead (NSF/ANSI 53), run cold water before drinking, and avoid hot tap water for cooking or baby formula. Contact your utility about service line replacement programs. For health concerns, especially with children, contact your pediatrician or local health department." }, { "q": "Is Portsmouth Water Works replacing lead service lines?", "a": "Portsmouth Water Works has not publicly