Is Bennington, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.4/100
waterverge.com Bennington, NH — Water Quality Report
Bennington's drinking water received a grade of B (75.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,067 residents using groundwater.
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 73 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bennington's water
Bennington ranks #37 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bennington 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.
As a small community water system, Bennington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bennington, NH water safe to drink?
Bennington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,067 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bennington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bennington's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.4/100).
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3360). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3333). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bennington's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bennington's water system has 73 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
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 Nubanusit, Contoocook River.
Where does Bennington's water come from?
Bennington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,067 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nubanusit (river), Contoocook River (river).
What Bennington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bennington'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.
Bennington'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bennington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bennington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OSRAM SYLVANIA PRODUCTS INC HILLSBORO, NH03244 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
MONADNOCK PAPER MILL BENNINGTON, NH03442 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHillsborough 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bennington's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | 3.20 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.200 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bennington compares by contaminant
Explore where Bennington ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bennington's water comes from
Bennington'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,067 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Bennington
Bennington is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bennington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BENNINGTON WATER DEPT | NH0211010 | 775 | GW |
| MOUNTAINSIDE AT CROTCHED MTN | NH0212020 | 180 | GW |
| SOUTH FACE CONDOS | NH0212010 | 60 | GW |
| BIRCHES OF BENNINGTON | NH0212030 | 52 | GW |
How Bennington compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Bennington's score of 75.4/100 is above the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Bennington, NH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bennington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hillsborough
Frequently asked questions
Is Bennington, NH tap water safe to drink?
Bennington's water quality earned a grade of B (75.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #37 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Bennington's water?
73 violations are on record.
How is Bennington'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 Bennington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bennington's water come from?
Bennington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,067 residents.
What health violations has Bennington's water system had?
Bennington has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 38 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bennington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bennington 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 73 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 Bennington's water compare to other cities?
Bennington ranks #37 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 69% of state cities) and #9600 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.