Is Sandown, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66/100
waterverge.com Sandown, NH — Water Quality Report
Sandown's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 13 water systems serve approximately 1,266 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 187 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sandown's water
Sandown ranks #60 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sandown 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, Sandown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sandown, NH water safe to drink?
Sandown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 13 water systems serve approximately 1,266 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sandown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sandown's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4370). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Violation history
Sandown's water system has 187 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 10 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 Sandown's water come from?
Sandown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 13 water systems serving approximately 1,266 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Exeter River (river), Merrimack River (river), Spicket River (river).
What Sandown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sandown'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.
Sandown'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.
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.
Full contaminants report
No contaminant data available for this city.
See how Sandown compares by contaminant
Explore where Sandown ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sandown's water comes from
Sandown'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 1,266 people through 13 water systems.
Water bodies near Sandown
Sandown is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sandown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CORNERSTONE ESTATES | NH2082060 | 202 | GW |
| STONEFORD | NH2082050 | 188 | GW |
| MILL PINE VILLAGE | NH2082070 | 170 | GW |
| TOWNHOUSES AT WELLS VILLAGE | NH2082110 | 125 | GW |
| WATERFORD VILLAGE ESTATES | NH2082090 | 105 | GW |
| LITTLE MILL WOODS | NH2082080 | 98 | GW |
| FAIRFIELD | NH2082020 | 95 | GW |
| PINE ACRES CONDOS | NH2082040 | 90 | GW |
| THE DOX CONDOS | NH2087010 | 55 | GW |
| FOX DEN RETIREMENT COMM | NH2082120 | 43 | GW |
| REEDS CROSSING | NH2082030 | 40 | GW |
| BEAVER HOLLOW | NH2082010 | 30 | GW |
| WIGHT ISLE ESTATES | NH2082130 | 25 | GW |
How Sandown compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Sandown's score of 66/100 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 Sandown, 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 Sandown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Sandown, NH tap water safe to drink?
Sandown's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #60 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Sandown's water?
187 violations are on record.
How is Sandown'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 Sandown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sandown's water come from?
Sandown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 13 water systems serving approximately 1,266 residents.
What health violations has Sandown's water system had?
Sandown has 26 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sandown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sandown 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 187 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 Sandown's water compare to other cities?
Sandown ranks #60 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 50% of state cities) and #11444 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.