Is Barrington, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
31/100
waterverge.com Barrington, NH — Water Quality Report
Barrington's drinking water received a grade of F (31 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 14 water systems serve approximately 1,506 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 29.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 619 violations on record, including 117 health-based violations. 72 remain unresolved.
What to know about Barrington's water
Barrington ranks #110 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Barrington relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Barrington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Barrington, NH water safe to drink?
Barrington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (31/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 14 water systems serve approximately 1,506 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Barrington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Barrington's water quality assessment. Grade: F (31/100).
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3360). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4026). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Barrington's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Barrington's water system has 619 total violations on record, including 117 health-based violations. 72 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Strafford County has experienced 8 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 Cocheco River, Isinglass R, Oyster River, Lamprey River.
Where does Barrington's water come from?
Barrington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 14 water systems serving approximately 1,506 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cocheco River (river), Isinglass R (river), Oyster River (river), Lamprey River (river).
What Barrington residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Barrington's water.
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Barrington'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtStrafford 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
Strafford County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Barrington's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 29.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.06 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Barrington compares by contaminant
Explore where Barrington ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Barrington's water comes from
Barrington's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,506 people through 14 water systems.
Water bodies near Barrington
Barrington is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Barrington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMERALD ACRES | NH0153060 | 250 | GW |
| SWAINS LAKE VILLAGE WATER | NH0151010 | 227 | GW |
| BARRINGTON MOBILE HOME ESTATES | NH0153050 | 198 | GW |
| LEE OAK COOPERATIVE | NH0153040 | 163 | GW |
| BARRINGTON OAKS | NH0153030 | 123 | GW |
| PEPPERIDGE WOODS | NH0152090 | 113 | GW |
| DREW POND | NH0152100 | 100 | GW |
| OYSTER RIVER APTS EAST/WEST | NH0152060 | 60 | GW |
| HALCYON HILL | NH0153020 | 58 | GW |
| GREEN HILLS MHP | NH0153010 | 50 | GW |
| ELLISON FARM APTS | NH0152010 | 48 | GW |
| BARRINGTON HILLS APTS/UPPER | NH0152050 | 43 | GW |
| BARRINGTON HILLS APTS/LOWER | NH0152030 | 38 | GW |
| OLD STAGECOACH ARMS | NH0152020 | 35 | GW |
How Barrington compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Barrington's score of 31/100 is below the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Barrington, NH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Barrington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Strafford
Frequently asked questions
Is Barrington, NH tap water safe to drink?
Barrington's water quality earned a grade of F (31/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #110 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Barrington's water?
Lead was measured at 29.0 ppb (90th percentile). 619 violations are on record.
How is Barrington'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 Barrington?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Barrington's water come from?
Barrington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 14 water systems serving approximately 1,506 residents.
What health violations has Barrington's water system had?
Barrington has 117 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 72 violations remain unresolved.
Is Barrington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Barrington uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 619 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Barrington's water compare to other cities?
Barrington ranks #110 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 8% of state cities) and #15668 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.