Is Chester, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.3/100
waterverge.com Chester, NH — Water Quality Report
Chester's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 578 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 60 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chester's water
Chester ranks #14 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Chester 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, Chester may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chester, NH water safe to drink?
Chester's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 578 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chester
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chester's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: 1,1-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Carbon tetrachloride.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3360). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3333). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Violation history
Chester's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 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 Piscataquog River, Merrimack R Nr Goffs Falls, Below Manchester, Souhegan River.
Where does Chester's water come from?
Chester's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 578 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Piscataquog River (river), Merrimack R Nr Goffs Falls, Below Manchester (river), Souhegan River (river).
What Chester residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chester'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.
Chester'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 droughtRockingham 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 Chester compares by contaminant
Explore where Chester ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chester's water comes from
Chester'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 578 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Chester
Chester is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chester
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGES AT CHESTER CONDOS | NH0432010 | 245 | GW |
| OAK HILL | NH0432020 | 150 | GW |
| CHESTER BROOK | NH0432030 | 100 | GW |
| SHAKER HEIGHTS | NH0432040 | 83 | GW |
How Chester compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Chester's score of 87.3/100 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 Chester, NH
Wikipedia →Manchester is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Hampshire. Located on the banks of the Merrimack River, it had a population of 115,644 at the 2020 census. Manchester is the tenth-most populous city in New England. Along with the city of Nashua, it is one of two seats of New Hampshire's most populous county, Hillsborough County. The Manchester–Nashua metropolitan area has approximately 423,000 residents and lies near the northern end of the Northeast megalopolis.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chester's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Chester, NH tap water safe to drink?
Chester's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #14 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Chester's water?
60 violations are on record.
How is Chester'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 Chester?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chester's water come from?
Chester's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 578 residents.
What health violations has Chester's water system had?
Chester has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chester's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chester 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 60 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 Chester's water compare to other cities?
Chester ranks #14 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 88% of state cities) and #4165 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.