Is Charlestown, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — 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 ↓
58.1/100
waterverge.com Charlestown, NH — Water Quality Report
Charlestown's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,138 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 19.0 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 217 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Charlestown's water
Charlestown ranks #73 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Charlestown 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, Charlestown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Charlestown, NH water safe to drink?
Charlestown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,138 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Charlestown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Charlestown's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.1/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4624). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Charlestown'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
Charlestown's water system has 217 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sullivan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Sugar River, Black River, Williams River, Connecticut River, Cold River.
Where does Charlestown's water come from?
Charlestown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,138 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sugar River (river), Black River (river), Williams River (river), Connecticut River (river), Cold River (river).
What Charlestown residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Charlestown'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.
Charlestown'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 Charlestown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Charlestown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CANAM BRIDGES US INC. CLAREMONT, NH03743 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
WHELEN ENGINEERING CHARLESTOWN, NH03603 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
WHITNEY BLAKE CO BELLOWS FALLS, VT05101 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Charlestown
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BFI SANITARY LANDFILL ROCKINGHAM1.1 mi
- OLD SPRINGFIELD LANDFILL3.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSullivan 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
Sullivan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Charlestown'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. | 19.0 | 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. | 2.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Charlestown compares by contaminant
Explore where Charlestown ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Charlestown's water comes from
Charlestown'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 3,138 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Charlestown
Charlestown is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Charlestown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHARLESTOWN WATER WORKS | NH0411010 | 2,850 | GW |
| WINDY ACRES | NH0413030 | 180 | GW |
| MEADOWVIEW APTS | NH0412010 | 58 | GW |
| CONNECTICUT RIVER MHP | NH0413020 | 50 | GW |
How Charlestown compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Charlestown's score of 58.1/100 is below the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Charlestown, NH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Charlestown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sullivan
Frequently asked questions
Is Charlestown, NH tap water safe to drink?
Charlestown's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #73 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Charlestown's water?
Lead was measured at 19.0 ppb (90th percentile). 217 violations are on record.
How is Charlestown'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 Charlestown?
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 Charlestown's water come from?
Charlestown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,138 residents.
What health violations has Charlestown's water system had?
Charlestown has 23 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. 29 violations remain unresolved.
Is Charlestown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Charlestown 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 217 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 Charlestown's water compare to other cities?
Charlestown ranks #73 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 39% of state cities) and #12309 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.