Is Canaan, 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 ↓
40.1/100
waterverge.com Canaan, NH — Water Quality Report
Canaan's drinking water received a grade of F (40.1 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,123 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 16.0 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 121 violations on record, including 50 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Canaan's water
Canaan ranks #97 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
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, Canaan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Canaan, NH water safe to drink?
Canaan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (40.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,123 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Canaan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Canaan's water quality assessment. Grade: F (40.1/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4095). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Canaan'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
Canaan's water system has 121 total violations on record, including 50 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grafton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Canaan's water come from?
Canaan's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,123 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Canaan residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Canaan'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.
Canaan'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 droughtGrafton 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
Grafton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Canaan'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. | 16.0 | 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. | 3.25 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Canaan compares by contaminant
Explore where Canaan ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Canaan's water comes from
Canaan'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,123 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Canaan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANAAN WATER DEPT | NH0351010 | 684 | SW |
| CARDIGAN MOUNTAIN SCH | NH0354010 | 300 | GW |
| MASCOMA VALLEY COOP | NH0353020 | 73 | GW |
| COUNTRY VILLAGE MHP | NH0353010 | 66 | GW |
How Canaan compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Canaan's score of 40.1/100 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 Canaan, NH
Wikipedia →Canaan is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 3,794 at the 2020 census. It is the location of Mascoma State Forest. Canaan is home to the Cardigan Mountain School, the town's largest employer.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Canaan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grafton
Frequently asked questions
Is Canaan, NH tap water safe to drink?
Canaan's water quality earned a grade of F (40.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #97 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Canaan's water?
Lead was measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile). 121 violations are on record.
How is Canaan'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 Canaan?
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 Canaan's water come from?
Canaan's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,123 residents.
What health violations has Canaan's water system had?
Canaan has 50 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
How does Canaan's water compare to other cities?
Canaan ranks #97 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 18% of state cities) and #15177 out of 15744 cities nationally (4th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.