Is Lincoln, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81/100
waterverge.com Lincoln, NH — Water Quality Report
Lincoln's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,300 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 17 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Lincoln's water
Lincoln ranks #27 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it above 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Lincoln may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lincoln, NH water safe to drink?
Lincoln's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (81/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,300 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lincoln
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lincoln's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Lincoln's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Lincoln's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grafton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 East Branch Pemigewasset River, Pemigewasset River.
Where does Lincoln's water come from?
Lincoln's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system 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 East Branch Pemigewasset River (river), Pemigewasset River (river).
What Lincoln 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Lincoln'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 Lincoln
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lincoln, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BURNDY LLC LINCOLN, NH03251 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGrafton 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
Grafton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lincoln'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.54 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.540 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Lincoln compares by contaminant
Explore where Lincoln ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lincoln's water comes from
Lincoln'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 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lincoln
Lincoln 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 Lincoln
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LINCOLN WATER WORKS | NH1351010 | 3,300 | SW |
How Lincoln compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Lincoln's score of 81/100 is above the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Lincoln, NH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lincoln's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grafton
Frequently asked questions
Is Lincoln, NH tap water safe to drink?
Lincoln's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Lincoln's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Lincoln'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 Lincoln?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lincoln's water come from?
Lincoln's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,300 residents.
What health violations has Lincoln's water system had?
Lincoln has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Lincoln's water compare to other cities?
Lincoln ranks #27 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 77% of state cities) and #7625 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lincoln's small water system affect quality?
Lincoln's system serves approximately 3,300 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.