Is Hillsborough, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45.9/100
waterverge.com Hillsborough, NH — Water Quality Report
Hillsborough's drinking water received a grade of D (45.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,300 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 33.0 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 224 violations on record, including 104 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hillsborough's water
Hillsborough ranks #90 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it below average 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, Hillsborough may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hillsborough, NH water safe to drink?
Hillsborough's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,300 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hillsborough
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hillsborough's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45.9/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3360). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3333). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hillsborough's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Hillsborough's water system has 224 total violations on record, including 104 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 4 violations were 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 Contoocook River, Contoocook R Bl Hopkinton Dam.
Where does Hillsborough's water come from?
Hillsborough's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,300 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Contoocook River (river), Contoocook R Bl Hopkinton Dam (river).
What Hillsborough residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hillsborough'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.
Hillsborough'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 Hillsborough
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hillsborough, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OSRAM SYLVANIA PRODUCTS INC HILLSBORO, NH03244 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
MONADNOCK PAPER MILL BENNINGTON, NH03442 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHillsborough 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hillsborough'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. | 33.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hillsborough compares by contaminant
Explore where Hillsborough ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hillsborough's water comes from
Hillsborough'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 3,300 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hillsborough
Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HILLSBOROUGH WATER WORKS | NH1141010 | 2,000 | SW |
| EMERALD LAKE | NH1141020 | 1,300 | GW |
How Hillsborough compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Hillsborough's score of 45.9/100 is below the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Hillsborough, NH
Wikipedia →Hillsborough, frequently spelled Hillsboro, is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 5,939 at the 2020 census. The town is home to Fox State Forest and part of Low State Forest.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hillsborough's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hillsborough
Frequently asked questions
Is Hillsborough, NH tap water safe to drink?
Hillsborough's water quality earned a grade of D (45.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #90 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Hillsborough's water?
Lead was measured at 33.0 ppb (90th percentile). 224 violations are on record.
How is Hillsborough'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 Hillsborough?
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 Hillsborough's water come from?
Hillsborough's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,300 residents.
What health violations has Hillsborough's water system had?
Hillsborough has 104 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hillsborough's water compare to other cities?
Hillsborough ranks #90 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 24% of state cities) and #14101 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.