Is Barnstead, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.5/100
waterverge.com Barnstead, NH — Water Quality Report
Barnstead's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,278 residents using surface water.
Lead data is not currently available for this system. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 74 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Barnstead's water
Barnstead ranks #13 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Barnstead may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Barnstead, NH water safe to drink?
Barnstead's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,278 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Barnstead
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Barnstead's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3360). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: E. COLI, Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3333). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Violation history
Barnstead's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hillsborough County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Souhegan River, Nashua River, Merrimack River, Beaver Brook.
Where does Barnstead's water come from?
Barnstead's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,278 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Souhegan River (river), Nashua River (river), Merrimack River (river), Beaver Brook (river).
What Barnstead residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Barnstead's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBelknap County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Hillsborough County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
No contaminant data available for this city.
See how Barnstead compares by contaminant
Explore where Barnstead ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Barnstead's water comes from
Barnstead's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 2,278 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Barnstead
Barnstead is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Barnstead
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOCKE LAKE | NH0142010 | 2,278 | SW |
How Barnstead compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Barnstead's score of 87.5/100 is above the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Barnstead, NH
Wikipedia →Nashua is a city in southern New Hampshire, United States. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 91,322, the second-largest in northern New England after nearby Manchester. It is one of two county seats of New Hampshire's most populous county, Hillsborough; the other being Manchester.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Barnstead's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Belknap
Frequently asked questions
Is Barnstead, NH tap water safe to drink?
Barnstead's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #13 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Barnstead's water?
74 violations are on record.
How is Barnstead's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Barnstead?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Barnstead's water come from?
Barnstead's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,278 residents.
What health violations has Barnstead's water system had?
Barnstead has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Barnstead's water compare to other cities?
Barnstead ranks #13 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 89% of state cities) and #4020 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Barnstead's small water system affect quality?
Barnstead's system serves approximately 2,278 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 74 violations on record.