Is Gorham, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — 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 ↓
70.9/100
waterverge.com Gorham, NH — Water Quality Report
Gorham's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,685 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 30.0 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 64 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gorham's water
Gorham ranks #48 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Gorham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gorham, NH water safe to drink?
Gorham's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,685 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gorham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gorham's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gorham'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
Gorham's water system has 64 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Where does Gorham's water come from?
Gorham's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,685 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Androscoggin River Near Gorham (river), Peabody River At Gorham, New Hampshire (river).
What Gorham residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gorham'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.
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 Gorham
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gorham, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FCI BERLIN BERLIN, NH03570 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Gorham
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.
- CHLOR ALKALI FACILITY FORMER6.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCoos 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gorham'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. | 30.0 | 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. | 4.07 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 30.0 ppb (1994)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gorham compares by contaminant
Explore where Gorham ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gorham's water comes from
Gorham'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 2,685 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Gorham
Gorham is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Gorham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GORHAM WATER AND SEWER DEPT | NH0921010 | 2,630 | SW |
| GORHAM HILL SPRING | NH0921020 | 55 | GW |
How Gorham compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Gorham's score of 70.9/100 is on par with the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Gorham, NH
Wikipedia →Gorham is a town in Coös County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 2,698 at the 2020 census. Gorham is located in the White Mountains, and parts of the White Mountain National Forest are in the south and northwest. Moose Brook State Park is in the west. Tourism is a principal business. It is part of the Berlin, NH-VT Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gorham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Coos
Frequently asked questions
Is Gorham, NH tap water safe to drink?
Gorham's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #48 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Gorham's water?
Lead was measured at 30.0 ppb (90th percentile). 64 violations are on record.
How is Gorham'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 Gorham?
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 Gorham's water come from?
Gorham's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,685 residents.
What health violations has Gorham's water system had?
Gorham has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Gorham's water compare to other cities?
Gorham ranks #48 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 60% of state cities) and #10654 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.