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LCRR utility compliance status in New Hampshire

How are New Hampshire water utilities doing on EPA LCRR compliance?

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
2,473
Known lead
0
Unknown
0
BIL funding
$0M

Lead Service Line Compliance in New Hampshire

Current Status

New Hampshire's 2,473 water systems serve approximately 1.23 million people. As of the October 2024 inventory reporting deadline under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), the state's utilities reported zero confirmed lead service lines and zero unknown service lines across all systems combined.

This result is unusual—most states report at least some portion of their service lines as unknown, reflecting the difficulty many utilities have in locating records or physically inspecting underground pipes. New Hampshire's reported figures suggest either exceptionally complete records among its utilities, or a very small footprint of lead service lines historically.

What This Means for Residents

A reported count of zero does not necessarily mean lead service lines are absent in your community. It means your utility reported no confirmed lead lines in its October 2024 submission. Some possibilities:

  • Your utility has complete records and truly has no lead service lines.
  • Your utility has older infrastructure but has already replaced lead lines or confirmed none were installed.
  • Records may be incomplete in some areas, even if reported as zero.

If you live in an older home (built before 1986, when lead was phased out), the safest assumption is that your service line could be lead. A water test or a physical inspection of your meter pit is the only way to know for certain.

Next Steps for Residents

  • Contact your local water utility and ask about your specific address. Request information about your service line material—whether it's copper, galvanized, plastic, or lead.
  • Have your water tested for lead if you have not already. This is free or low-cost through many health departments.
  • If your service line is lead, talk to your utility about replacement options and any state or federal funding programs that may help with costs.
  • For health questions, consult your pediatrician or the CDC's lead guidance.

Related topics in New Hampshire

Common questions

Does zero reported lead service lines mean my water is safe from lead?

Not necessarily. A utility's inventory report tells you what they've documented, but older homes may still have lead service lines that weren't fully recorded. The only way to know for sure is to test your water or ask your utility directly about your address.

How do I find out if my house has a lead service line in New Hampshire?

Contact your local water utility with your address. They should be able to tell you the material of your service line. If records are unclear, a plumber can inspect the meter pit or you can request a water test for lead.

What should I do if my service line is lead?

Talk to your water utility about replacement. Ask about state or federal funding; New Hampshire may have programs to help with costs. In the meantime, you can reduce exposure by flushing the line (running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking) and using a certified lead filter.

Why do some states report so many unknown service lines while New Hampshire reports zero?

Utilities vary widely in how well they've documented their infrastructure. New Hampshire's smaller population and reporting practices may mean more complete records, but some unknowns can reflect incomplete data collection.