Is Farmington, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
77.5/100
waterverge.com Farmington, NH — Water Quality Report
Farmington's drinking water received a grade of B (77.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,250 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 20.0 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 17 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Farmington's water
Farmington ranks #33 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Farmington 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, Farmington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Farmington, NH water safe to drink?
Farmington's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (77.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,250 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Farmington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Farmington's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.5/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3360). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4026). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Farmington's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Farmington's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Strafford County has experienced 8 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 Cocheco River.
Where does Farmington's water come from?
Farmington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,250 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cocheco River (river).
What Farmington residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Farmington'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.
Farmington'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 Farmington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Farmington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EASTERN BOATS INC. MILTON, NH03851 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
LAARS HEATING SYSTEMS ROCHESTER, NH03867 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
SIG SAUER INC ROCHESTER ROCHESTER, NH03868 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD STRAFFORD TRAINING SITE RANGE STRAFFORD, NH03884 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Farmington
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.
- COLLINS AIKMAN PLANT FORMER2.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtStrafford 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
Strafford County has experienced 8 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 Farmington'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. | 20.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 20.0 ppb (2000)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Farmington compares by contaminant
Explore where Farmington ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Farmington's water comes from
Farmington'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 3,250 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Farmington
Farmington is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Farmington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FARMINGTON WATER DEPT | NH0811010 | 3,250 | GW |
How Farmington compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Farmington's score of 77.5/100 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 Farmington, NH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Farmington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Strafford
Frequently asked questions
Is Farmington, NH tap water safe to drink?
Farmington's water quality earned a grade of B (77.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #33 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Farmington's water?
Lead was measured at 20.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Farmington'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 Farmington?
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 Farmington's water come from?
Farmington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,250 residents.
What health violations has Farmington's water system had?
Farmington has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Farmington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Farmington 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 17 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 Farmington's water compare to other cities?
Farmington ranks #33 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 72% of state cities) and #8978 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Farmington's small water system affect quality?
Farmington's system serves approximately 3,250 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 17 violations on record.