Is Plaistow, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
30/100
waterverge.com Plaistow, NH — Water Quality Report
Plaistow's drinking water received a grade of F (30 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 20 water systems serve approximately 2,137 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 33.0 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 382 violations on record, including 95 health-based violations. 53 remain unresolved.
What to know about Plaistow's water
Plaistow ranks #113 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Plaistow may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Plaistow, NH water safe to drink?
Plaistow's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (30/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 20 water systems serve approximately 2,137 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Plaistow
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Plaistow's water quality assessment. Grade: F (30/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Arsenic.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4370). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Plaistow's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Plaistow's water system has 382 total violations on record, including 95 health-based violations. 53 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Exeter River, Merrimack River, Spicket River.
Where does Plaistow's water come from?
Plaistow's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 20 water systems serving approximately 2,137 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Exeter River (river), Merrimack River (river), Spicket River (river).
What Plaistow residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Plaistow'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.
Plaistow'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 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 Plaistow'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. | 33.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Plaistow compares by contaminant
Explore where Plaistow ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Plaistow's water comes from
Plaistow'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 2,137 people through 20 water systems.
Water bodies near Plaistow
Plaistow is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Plaistow
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAISTOW WATER DEPT | NH1931010 | 465 | SWP |
| TWIN RIDGE CONDOS | NH1932050 | 348 | SWP |
| VALLEY FIELD APTS NORTHLAND | NH1932070 | 188 | GW |
| MOONGATE FARM | NH1932060 | 120 | GW |
| GOLDEN HILL | NH1932020 | 110 | GW |
| GREENFIELD HILL ESTATES | NH1932090 | 98 | GW |
| THE RESERVE AT SNOWS BROOK | NH1932240 | 85 | GW |
| TUXBURY MEADOWS | NH1932180 | 75 | GW |
| SWEET HILL ESTATES | NH1932200 | 75 | SWP |
| CROSS RIDGE ESTATES | NH1932120 | 73 | GW |
| FOREST GLEN CONDOS | NH1932040 | 70 | GW |
| LITTLE RIVER VILLAGE | NH1932230 | 63 | GW |
| STONEBRIDGE VILLAGE | NH1932080 | 60 | GW |
| WEST PINE CONDOS | NH1932210 | 60 | GW |
| BRYANT BROOK | NH1932110 | 55 | GW |
| STRAWBERRY HILL | NH1932100 | 50 | GW |
| SHADY LANE APARTMENTS | NH1932220 | 42 | GW |
| RAINBOW RIDGE | NH1932170 | 38 | GW |
| BLUEBERRY KNOLL ESTATES | NH1932150 | 32 | GW |
| RUTLEDGE PLACE | NH1932140 | 30 | GW |
How Plaistow compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Plaistow's score of 30/100 is below the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Plaistow, NH
Wikipedia →Atkinson is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 7,087 at the 2020 census. It is located 34 miles north of Boston, and part of the Greater Boston region.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Plaistow's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Plaistow, NH tap water safe to drink?
Plaistow's water quality earned a grade of F (30/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #113 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Plaistow's water?
Lead was measured at 33.0 ppb (90th percentile). 382 violations are on record.
How is Plaistow'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 Plaistow?
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 Plaistow's water come from?
Plaistow's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 20 water systems serving approximately 2,137 residents.
What health violations has Plaistow's water system had?
Plaistow has 95 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 53 violations remain unresolved.
How does Plaistow's water compare to other cities?
Plaistow ranks #113 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 5% of state cities) and #15688 out of 15744 cities nationally (0th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.