Is Jackson, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — 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 ↓
55.6/100
waterverge.com Jackson, NH — Water Quality Report
Jackson's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 755 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 31.0 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 92 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jackson's water
Jackson ranks #75 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, Jackson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jackson, NH water safe to drink?
Jackson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 755 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Jackson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jackson's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4095). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jackson'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
Jackson's water system has 92 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carroll 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 Saco River.
Where does Jackson's water come from?
Jackson's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 755 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Saco River (river).
What Jackson residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jackson'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.
Jackson'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCarroll 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
Carroll 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Jackson'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. | 31.0 | 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. | 2.37 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.370 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Jackson compares by contaminant
Explore where Jackson ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jackson's water comes from
Jackson'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 755 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Jackson
Jackson is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Jackson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JACKSON WATER PCT | NH1211010 | 500 | SW |
| EAGLE BROOK | NH1212130 | 70 | GW |
| HIGH PASTURES AT BLACK MTN | NH1212090 | 47 | GW |
| BLACK MOUNTAIN MEADOW CONDOS | NH1212080 | 43 | GW |
| MT JEFFERSON/WASHINGTON CONDOS | NH1212050 | 38 | GW |
| DANA PLACE | NH1218010 | 29 | GW |
| WILDCAT TOWNHOUSE RESORT | NH1212030 | 28 | GW |
How Jackson compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Jackson's score of 55.6/100 is below the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Jackson, NH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jackson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carroll
Frequently asked questions
Is Jackson, NH tap water safe to drink?
Jackson's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #75 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Jackson's water?
Lead was measured at 31.0 ppb (90th percentile). 92 violations are on record.
How is Jackson'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 Jackson?
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 Jackson's water come from?
Jackson's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 755 residents.
What health violations has Jackson's water system had?
Jackson has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Jackson's water compare to other cities?
Jackson ranks #75 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 37% of state cities) and #12520 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.