Is Newfields, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.7/100
waterverge.com Newfields, NH — Water Quality Report
Newfields's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 residents using groundwater.
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 22 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newfields's water
Newfields ranks #43 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Newfields 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, Newfields may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newfields, NH water safe to drink?
Newfields's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Newfields
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newfields's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4370). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Newfields's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Newfields's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Rockingham 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 Oyster River, Lamprey River, Exeter River, Winnicut River.
Where does Newfields's water come from?
Newfields's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 550 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Oyster River (river), Lamprey River (river), Exeter River (river), Winnicut River (river).
What Newfields residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newfields'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.
Newfields'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 Newfields
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Newfields, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 11 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SPRAGUE RIVER ROAD TERMINAL NEWINGTON, NH03801 | 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene | 11 | 8.4 mi |
SIG SAUER INC NEWINGTON, NH03801 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
ESSENTIAL POWER NEWINGTON NEWINGTON, NH03801 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
GEORGIA-PACIFIC GYPSUM LLC NEWINGTON NH NEWINGTON, NH03801 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
GOLD BOND BUILDING PRODUCTS - PORTSMOUTH PORTSMOUTH, NH03802 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Newfields
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- KEEFE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES KES4.8 mi
- COAKLEY LANDFILL6.6 mi
- PEASE AIR FORCE BASE6.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtRockingham 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
Rockingham 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 Newfields'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 |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 31.0 ppb (2006)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Newfields compares by contaminant
Explore where Newfields ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newfields's water comes from
Newfields'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 550 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Newfields
Newfields is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Newfields
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWFIELDS VLG WATER AND SEWER | NH1681010 | 550 | GW |
How Newfields compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Newfields's score of 72.7/100 is on par with the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Newfields, NH
Wikipedia →Newfields is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,769 at the 2020 census. The primary village in town, where 378 people resided at the 2020 census, is defined as the Newfields census-designated place (CDP) and is located along New Hampshire Route 85 and the Squamscott River. It is a quaint village of handsome old houses.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newfields's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Newfields, NH tap water safe to drink?
Newfields's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #43 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Newfields's water?
Lead was measured at 31.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Newfields'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 Newfields?
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 Newfields's water come from?
Newfields's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 550 residents.
What health violations has Newfields's water system had?
Newfields has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Newfields's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Newfields 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 22 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 Newfields's water compare to other cities?
Newfields ranks #43 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 64% of state cities) and #10258 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Newfields's small water system affect quality?
Newfields's system serves approximately 550 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 22 violations on record.