Is Pittsfield, 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 ↓
66.6/100
waterverge.com Pittsfield, NH — Water Quality Report
Pittsfield's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,703 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 70.0 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 124 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pittsfield's water
Pittsfield ranks #57 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
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, Pittsfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pittsfield, NH water safe to drink?
Pittsfield's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of C+ (66.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,703 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pittsfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pittsfield's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3360). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3333). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pittsfield'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
Pittsfield's water system has 124 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hillsborough County has experienced 9 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. Local water sources include Souhegan River, Nashua River, Merrimack River, Beaver Brook.
Where does Pittsfield's water come from?
Pittsfield's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,703 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Souhegan River (river), Nashua River (river), Merrimack River (river), Beaver Brook (river).
What Pittsfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pittsfield'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.
Pittsfield'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMerrimack 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
Hillsborough County has experienced 9 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 Pittsfield'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. | 70.0 | 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. | 1.75 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 70.0 ppb (1993)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.750 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Pittsfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Pittsfield ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pittsfield's water comes from
Pittsfield'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,703 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pittsfield
Pittsfield is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Pittsfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PITTSFIELD AQUEDUCT | NH1911010 | 1,630 | SW |
| GRIGGS MOBILE HOMES | NH1913010 | 73 | GW |
How Pittsfield compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Pittsfield's score of 66.6/100 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 Pittsfield, NH
Wikipedia →Nashua is a city in southern New Hampshire, United States. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 91,322, the second-largest in northern New England after nearby Manchester. It is one of two county seats of New Hampshire's most populous county, Hillsborough; the other being Manchester.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pittsfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Merrimack
Frequently asked questions
Is Pittsfield, NH tap water safe to drink?
Pittsfield's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #57 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Pittsfield's water?
Lead was measured at 70.0 ppb (90th percentile). 124 violations are on record.
How is Pittsfield'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 Pittsfield?
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 Pittsfield's water come from?
Pittsfield's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,703 residents.
What health violations has Pittsfield's water system had?
Pittsfield has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pittsfield's water compare to other cities?
Pittsfield ranks #57 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 52% of state cities) and #11355 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.