Is Newton, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.1/100
Newton, NH — Water Quality Report
Newton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 533 residents using groundwater.
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 111 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newton's water
Newton ranks #30 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Newton 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.
As a small community water system, Newton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newton, NH water safe to drink?
Newton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 533 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Newton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Violation history
Newton's water system has 111 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
Where does Newton's water come from?
Newton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 533 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Newton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newton'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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.
Full contaminants report
No contaminant data available for this city.
See how Newton compares by contaminant
Explore where Newton ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newton's water comes from
Newton'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 private ownership and serves approximately 533 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Newton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SARGENT WOODS | NH1752070 | 230 | GW |
| PACKER MEADOWS | NH1752030 | 115 | GW |
| MEADOWVIEW APARTMENTS | NH1752020 | 100 | GW |
| WILLOW GROVE TRAILER PARK | NH1753010 | 88 | GW |
How Newton compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Newton's score of 80.1/100 is above the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Newton, NH tap water safe to drink?
Newton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #30 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Newton's water?
111 violations are on record.
How is Newton'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 Newton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newton's water come from?
Newton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 533 residents.
What health violations has Newton's water system had?
Newton has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Newton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Newton 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 111 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 Newton's water compare to other cities?
Newton ranks #30 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 75% of state cities) and #8028 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.