PORTSMOUTH WATER WORKS Lead Service Line Inventory
Portsmouth Water Works serves about 33,000 people in New Hampshire. If you're looking for information about lead service lines in your area—whether you own a home here or are researching before buying—this page explains what's known and how to find out about your own property.
What we know about Portsmouth Water Works
Portsmouth Water Works draws its water from surface sources. The utility has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system, so specific counts of lead, galvanized, or unknown pipes are not publicly available at this time.
Lead service lines are pipes made of lead, often installed before the 1980s. Water traveling through lead pipes can pick up lead, especially if the water is corrosive or if pipes are disturbed. Even lines that look fine on the outside can leach lead into your water. This is a real concern—but it's also manageable once you know your status.
Understanding your home's water line
Your home's water line runs from the street main into your house. The part you own (usually from the curb inward) may differ from the part the utility owns (usually from the main to the curb). Both matter for your water quality.
If your home was built before 1980, there's a higher chance you have a lead or galvanized service line. Homes built after 1986 (when federal restrictions tightened) are less likely to have lead pipes, though not guaranteed to be lead-free.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Portsmouth Water Works directly to ask about your property's service line material. Give them your address; they may have records even if the full inventory isn't public yet.
- Get your water tested for lead. A simple test costs $20–30 and tells you if lead is actually entering your drinking water. Contact your water utility or a certified lab for instructions.
- If you find lead, the EPA and CDC recommend flushing your tap before use, using a certified filter, or replacing the line entirely (a more permanent fix). Your utility may have replacement programs or rebates available.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Portsmouth Water Works have lead service lines?
Portsmouth Water Works has not yet completed a full public inventory of lead service lines, so specific numbers are not available. Contact the utility directly with your address to ask about your property's service line material.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Ask Portsmouth Water Works for records of your property's line. You can also have a plumber inspect the visible portion of your line (usually in the basement or outside near the meter). Lead is soft and gray; galvanized is silver-gray with visible threading.
Should I get my water tested for lead?
Yes. A lead test costs $20–30 and shows whether lead is actually in your drinking water, regardless of your pipe material. Contact Portsmouth Water Works or a certified lab to learn how to collect a sample.
What should I do if my water has lead in it?
Start with simple steps: flush your tap for 30 seconds before drinking, use a certified lead filter on your tap, or boil water for cooking (boiling does not remove lead). For a permanent fix, have your service line replaced. Contact your utility about replacement programs.