Is Lisbon, 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 ↓
64.9/100
waterverge.com Lisbon, NH — Water Quality Report
Lisbon's drinking water received a grade of C (64.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,010 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 21.0 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 65 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lisbon's water
Lisbon ranks #65 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lisbon relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
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, Lisbon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lisbon, NH water safe to drink?
Lisbon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,010 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lisbon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lisbon's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.9/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Lisbon'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
Lisbon's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 6 violations were 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 Ammonoosuc River Below Lisbon Dam,, Connecticut River.
Where does Lisbon's water come from?
Lisbon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,010 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ammonoosuc River Below Lisbon Dam, (river), Connecticut River (river).
What Lisbon residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lisbon'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.
Lisbon'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 Lisbon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lisbon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BURNDY LLC LITTLETON, NH03561 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
STILES FUEL CO LITTLETON, NH03561 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
NEW ENGLAND WIRE TECHNOLOGIES LISBON, NH03585 | — | — | 0.3 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 Lisbon'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. | 21.0 | 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. | 2.28 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lisbon compares by contaminant
Explore where Lisbon ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lisbon's water comes from
Lisbon's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,010 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lisbon
Lisbon is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lisbon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LISBON WATER DEPT | NH1361010 | 1,010 | GW |
How Lisbon compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Lisbon's score of 64.9/100 is on par with 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 Lisbon, NH
Wikipedia →Lisbon is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,621 at the 2020 census. Lisbon hosts an annual lilac festival on Memorial Day weekend.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lisbon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grafton
Frequently asked questions
Is Lisbon, NH tap water safe to drink?
Lisbon's water quality earned a grade of C (64.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #65 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Lisbon's water?
Lead was measured at 21.0 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Lisbon'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 Lisbon?
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 Lisbon's water come from?
Lisbon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,010 residents.
What health violations has Lisbon's water system had?
Lisbon has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lisbon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lisbon uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 65 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Lisbon's water compare to other cities?
Lisbon ranks #65 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 45% of state cities) and #11603 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lisbon's small water system affect quality?
Lisbon's system serves approximately 1,010 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 65 violations on record.