HAMPSTEAD AREA WATER Lead Service Line Inventory
Hampstead Area Water serves about 7,153 people in New Hampshire. Like many water systems across the US, it may have lead service lines—pipes that connect the water main to individual homes—especially in older neighborhoods built before lead pipes were phased out in the 1980s.
What you need to know
Lead service lines are one of the main sources of lead in tap water. Water from the treatment plant itself is safe, but if your home's connection uses a lead pipe, corrosive water can leach lead into your water as it travels to your tap.
Hampstead Area Water has not yet inventoried its service lines. This means the utility does not have a publicly available count of how many lead, galvanized, or other types of pipes serve its customers. Without an inventory, it's difficult to know your individual risk—but that doesn't mean your home is safe or unsafe. Many homes in older systems do have lead service lines.
What should I do right now?
Get your water tested. Hampstead Area Water can tell you whether your home likely has a lead service line based on your address and your home's age. Contact the utility directly and ask. They may also have testing kits or can direct you to a certified lab. The EPA recommends testing if your home was built before 1988 or if you don't know the material of your service line.
Reduce exposure in the meantime. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the water has been sitting in pipes for several hours (like first thing in the morning). Use cold water for cooking and drinking; hot water dissolves lead faster. These steps are especially important for families with young children.
Funding and replacement timelines
New Hampshire water systems are eligible for federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to map and replace lead service lines. Ask your utility about their timeline and whether funding has been allocated to Hampstead Area Water for this work.
Next steps for residents
- Call Hampstead Area Water and ask whether your service line is lead, galvanized, or unknown. Provide your address.
- Get your tap water tested by a certified lab, especially if your home was built before 1988.
- Learn your home's age from tax records or a realtor website; it helps predict risk.
- Ask the utility about replacement programs or cost-sharing if you have a lead service line.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Hampstead Area Water have lead service lines?
Hampstead Area Water has not yet completed an inventory of its service lines, so there's no public count available. However, homes built before the 1980s in the service area may have lead pipes. Contact the utility with your address to learn about your specific line.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Ask Hampstead Area Water for your service line material—they may have records by address. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home, or get your tap water tested by a certified lab to check for lead.
Is it safe to drink water from Hampstead Area Water?
The water leaving the treatment plant is safe, but lead can enter through old service lines. If you don't know your line's material, test your tap water. In the meantime, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if it's been sitting in pipes.
Will Hampstead Area Water replace my lead service line?
New Hampshire utilities can use federal funding to replace lead service lines. Contact Hampstead Area Water to ask whether they have a replacement program, your home's eligibility, and expected timelines.