Is Lancaster, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89/100
waterverge.com Lancaster, NH — Water Quality Report
Lancaster's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,450 residents using surface water.
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 44 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Lancaster's water
Lancaster ranks #9 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
As a small community water system, Lancaster may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lancaster, NH water safe to drink?
Lancaster's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,450 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lancaster
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lancaster's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Violation history
Lancaster's water system has 44 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Where does Lancaster's water come from?
Lancaster's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,450 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Upper Ammonoosuc River (river).
What Lancaster residents can do
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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Lancaster
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lancaster, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FITCH FUEL CO INC. LANCASTER, NH03584 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Full contaminants report
No contaminant data available for this city.
See how Lancaster compares by contaminant
Explore where Lancaster ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lancaster's water comes from
Lancaster'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 2,450 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lancaster
Lancaster 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 Lancaster
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LANCASTER WATER DEPT | NH1291010 | 2,450 | SW |
How Lancaster compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Lancaster's score of 89/100 is above the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Lancaster, NH
Wikipedia →Lancaster is a town located along the Connecticut River in Coös County, New Hampshire, United States. The town is named after the city of Lancaster in England. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 3,218, the second largest in the county after Berlin. It is the county seat of Coös County and gateway to the Great North Woods Region of the state. Lancaster, which includes the villages of Grange and South Lancaster, is home to Weeks State Park and the Lancaster Fair. Part of the White Mountain National Forest is in the eastern portion. The town is part of the Berlin, NH−VT Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lancaster's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Coos
Frequently asked questions
Is Lancaster, NH tap water safe to drink?
Lancaster's water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #9 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Lancaster's water?
44 violations are on record.
How is Lancaster'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 Lancaster?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lancaster's water come from?
Lancaster's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,450 residents.
What health violations has Lancaster's water system had?
Lancaster has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Lancaster's water compare to other cities?
Lancaster ranks #9 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 92% of state cities) and #3115 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lancaster's small water system affect quality?
Lancaster's system serves approximately 2,450 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 44 violations on record.