Is Meredith, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 38 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
59.4/100
waterverge.com Meredith, NH — Water Quality Report
Meredith's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 4,634 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 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 292 violations on record, including 62 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about Meredith's water
Meredith ranks #71 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.
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.
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 Meredith, NH water safe to drink?
Meredith's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 4,634 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Meredith
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Meredith's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Meredith'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.
Violation history
Meredith's water system has 292 total violations on record, including 62 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Belknap County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Meredith's water come from?
Meredith's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 9 water systems serving approximately 4,634 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Meredith residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Meredith'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.
Meredith'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 Meredith
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Meredith, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NEW HAMPSHIRE BALL BEARINGS INC LACONIA, NH03246 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
BOYD LACONIA LLC LACONIA, NH03246 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
RYMES - LACONIA LACONIA, NH03246 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBelknap 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
Belknap County has experienced 10 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 Meredith'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Meredith compares by contaminant
Explore where Meredith ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Meredith's water comes from
Meredith'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 4,634 people through 9 water systems.
Water systems serving Meredith
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEREDITH WATER DEPT | NH1521010 | 3,750 | SW |
| PATRICIAN SHORES | NH1522010 | 225 | GW |
| GROUSE POINT CLUB | NH1522090 | 205 | GW |
| FORESTVIEW MANOR | NH1524010 | 131 | GW |
| SANDS OF BROOKHURST | NH1522040 | 80 | GW |
| PINE HILL COMMUNITY ASSN | NH1522070 | 79 | GW |
| BROOK HILL | NH1522150 | 68 | GW |
| EAST BLUFF HIGHLANDS CONDOS | NH1522020 | 48 | GW |
| EASTBLUFF VILLAGE CONDOS | NH1522030 | 48 | GW |
How Meredith compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Meredith's score of 59.4/100 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 Meredith, NH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Meredith's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Belknap
Frequently asked questions
Is Meredith, NH tap water safe to drink?
Meredith's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #71 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Meredith's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 292 violations are on record.
How is Meredith'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 Meredith?
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 Meredith's water come from?
Meredith's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 9 water systems serving approximately 4,634 residents.
What health violations has Meredith's water system had?
Meredith has 62 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. 38 violations remain unresolved.
How does Meredith's water compare to other cities?
Meredith ranks #71 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 40% of state cities) and #12181 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.