Is Epping, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.7/100
Epping, NH — Water Quality Report
Epping's drinking water received a grade of B (76.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 2,203 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 106 violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Epping's water
Epping ranks #34 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Epping 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, Epping may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Epping, NH water safe to drink?
Epping's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 2,203 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Epping
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Epping's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.7/100).
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4370). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Violation history
Epping's water system has 106 total violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rockingham County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 Oyster River, Lamprey River, Exeter River.
Where does Epping's water come from?
Epping's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 2,203 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Oyster River (river), Lamprey River (river), Exeter River (river).
What Epping residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Epping'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.
Epping'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Epping
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Epping, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NORTHEAST LANTERN LTD EXETER, NH03833 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
SIG SAUER INC EXETER, NH03833 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
OWENS CORNING ROOFING & ASPHALT LLC. BRENTWOOD, NH03833 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
QUIKRETE - BOSTON MA PLANT EXETER, NH03833 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
HUTCHINSON SEALING SYSTEMS INC NEWFIELDS, NH03856 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Epping
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.
- KEEFE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES KES3.4 mi
- MOTTOLO PIG FARM4.9 mi
- OTTATI GOSS KINGSTON STEEL DRUM9.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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
Rockingham County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 Epping compares by contaminant
Explore where Epping ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Epping's water comes from
Epping'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 2,203 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Epping
Epping is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Epping
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPPING WATER AND SEWER DEPT | NH0761010 | 1,600 | GW |
| WOODLANDS | NH0762120 | 198 | GW |
| VILLAGES ON THE LAMPREY | NH0762080 | 113 | GW |
| PLUMER COURT | NH0762070 | 100 | GW |
| MELLING GLEN | NH0762040 | 92 | GW |
| GOVERNORS GREEN | NH0762050 | 53 | GW |
| EVANS TRAILER PARK | NH0763010 | 47 | GW |
How Epping compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Epping's score of 76.7/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Epping's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Epping, NH tap water safe to drink?
Epping's water quality earned a grade of B (76.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #34 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Epping's water?
106 violations are on record.
How is Epping'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 Epping?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Epping's water come from?
Epping's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 2,203 residents.
What health violations has Epping's water system had?
Epping has 47 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Epping's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Epping 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 106 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 Epping's water compare to other cities?
Epping ranks #34 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 71% of state cities) and #9223 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.