HANOVER WATER DEPT Lead Service Line Inventory
About This Water System
Hanover Water Department serves approximately 9,600 people in New Hampshire. The system draws from surface water sources.
Lead Service Line Status
The water system has not yet completed an inventory of lead service lines. This means the department is still in the process of identifying which homes and buildings are connected to the water main through lead pipes—a task all US water systems must finish by October 2024 under federal law.
Why this matters: Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. Even when the water itself is treated to prevent corrosion, old lead pipes can still release lead over time, especially in homes with younger water infrastructure or certain water chemistry conditions.
What the Lack of Data Means
When a system hasn't inventoried its lines yet, it doesn't mean the system is unsafe or poorly run—it often reflects that the work is underway. However, it does mean:
- Residents cannot yet check whether their home is connected via a lead line
- The utility cannot provide targeted replacement funding or advice to affected households
- There is no public timeline yet for when the inventory will be complete
Getting Your Own Answer
You don't have to wait for the inventory to find out if your home has a lead service line. Contact Hanover Water Department directly and ask them to check your service line material in their records or to inspect your property. You can also:
- Look at your water bill or service records, which sometimes list this information
- Hire a licensed plumber to inspect the visible portion of your service line (usually where it enters your foundation or meter pit)
- Request a free or low-cost water test from your local health department to measure lead levels in your tap water
Taking Action on Water Quality
If you're concerned about lead exposure—particularly if children under 6 or pregnant people live in your home—contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline (1-800-424-LEAD). They can advise on testing and risk reduction.
For corrosion control or replacement questions specific to your property, reach out to Hanover Water Department at the contact information on your water bill.
Next steps for residents
- Call Hanover Water Department and ask if your property has a lead service line
- Request a water test if you're concerned about lead levels
- Consider having a licensed plumber inspect the visible portion of your service line
- Talk to your doctor if anyone in your home may have been exposed to lead
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Hanover Water Department have lead in the water?
The water system treats its water to reduce corrosion, but the presence of lead depends partly on your home's plumbing. If your service line or household pipes are lead, lead can still leach into your water. Contact the utility to find out if your property is connected via a lead line, and request a water test to check actual levels.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Hanover Water Department and ask them to check your service line material. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home, or look at your service records. The water system is still completing its full inventory.
Is it safe to drink water from my tap?
The safest way to know is to have your water tested for lead. You can request a free or low-cost test from your local health department. If you have young children or are pregnant, contact your pediatrician or the CDC for guidance on risk reduction while you wait for results.
When will the water system finish its lead service line inventory?
Federal law requires all water systems to complete their inventories by October 2024. Contact Hanover Water Department for updates on their timeline and when the information will be publicly available.