LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in New Hampshire

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 2,473 public water systems in New Hampshire, serving approximately 1,232,480 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
2,473
Population served
1,232,480
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in New Hampshire

What you need to know

New Hampshire has 2,473 public water systems serving about 1.2 million people. Most of these are small systems in rural towns.

Right now, no lead service lines have been confirmed in New Hampshire's reported data. A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main under the street. If you have one, lead can leach into your drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive.

However, "no confirmed" doesn't mean "none exist." Many water systems haven't yet completed full inventories of their pipes. Older homes built before the 1986 federal ban on lead pipes are at higher risk. If your house was built before 1990, or you don't know what your service line is made of, it's worth checking.

The largest water systems in your state

If you live in or near one of these communities, you may want to contact them directly about their lead line status:

  • Manchester Water Works (123,500 people)
  • Pennichuck Water Works (89,073 people)
  • Concord Water Department (44,215 people)
  • Portsmouth Water Works (33,000 people)
  • Keene Water Department (30,000 people)
  • Dover Water Department (29,000 people)

Inventory timeline

Federal law requires all water systems to complete lead and galvanized pipe inventories and submit them to the state by October 2024. If your utility hasn't published its inventory yet, it may still be in progress. You can ask them directly for their timeline.

What lead in water means for your family

Lead exposure is a genuine health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. Even low levels can affect child development. If you're concerned about your family's exposure, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's guidance on lead in drinking water.

Next steps for residents

  • Find your water utility. Search online for "[your town name] water department" or check your water bill.
  • Ask about your service line. Call and ask: "Is my service line made of lead, galvanized steel, or something else?" They may have records or can test.
  • Get your water tested. If you can't confirm your line material, a simple water test costs $20–$50 and shows whether lead is present in your home.
  • Learn about filters. NSF-certified pitchers or faucet filters can reduce lead, though they're not a permanent fix.

Largest public water systems in New Hampshire

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
MANCHESTER WATER WORKSNH1471010123,500——
PENNICHUCK WATER WORKSNH162101089,073——
CONCORD WATER DEPTNH050101044,215——
PORTSMOUTH WATER WORKSNH195101033,000——
KEENE WATER DEPTNH124101030,000——
DOVER WATER DEPTNH065101029,000——
MERRIMACK VILLAGE DISTNH153101025,500——
ROCHESTER WATER DEPTNH200101025,000——
SALEM WATER DEPTNH205101021,000——
AQUARION WATER/NHNH105101018,950——
DERRY WATER DEPTNH061101017,290——
LACONIA WATER WORKSNH128101017,000——
HUDSON WATER DEPTNH120101016,700——
UNH/DURHAM WATER SYSNH069101016,000——
SEABROOK WATER DEPTNH211101014,000——
LEBANON WATER DEPTNH132101013,600——
EXETER WATER DEPTNH080101012,236——
SOMERSWORTH WATER WORKSNH215101012,000——
PEASE TRADE PORTNH19510209,900——
HANOVER WATER DEPTNH10710109,600——
BERLIN WATER WORKSNH02310109,575——
MILFORD WATER UTILITIES DEPTNH15610109,500——
CLAREMONT WATER DEPTNH04610109,000——
FRANKLIN WATER WORKSNH08510107,200——
HAMPSTEAD AREA WATERNH10310107,153——

Cities in New Hampshire

More on lead pipes in New Hampshire

Frequently asked about lead pipes in New Hampshire

Does New Hampshire have lead in the water?

No lead service lines have been officially reported in New Hampshire's water system inventories so far. However, many systems are still completing their pipe surveys, and older homes are at higher risk. Contact your local water utility to confirm what your service line is made of.

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

Call your water utility and ask them to check their records. If they don't have records, a plumber can inspect the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft and gray, and a magnet won't stick to it. You can also have your tap water tested for lead.

Is lead in drinking water dangerous for kids?

Yes. Lead exposure can affect child development and learning, even at low levels. If you're concerned, talk to your pediatrician or visit the CDC website for guidance on testing and reducing exposure.

What should I do if I think I have a lead service line?

Get your water tested first (a simple kit costs $20–$50). Use a certified filter if lead is detected. For a permanent fix, you'll need to replace the line—contact a licensed plumber for a quote and talk to your water utility about any assistance programs.