Is Stow, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
56.8/100
waterverge.com Stow, NH — Water Quality Report
Stow's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,239 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 284 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stow's water
Stow ranks #74 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Stow 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, Stow may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stow, NH water safe to drink?
Stow's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,239 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Stow
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stow's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3350). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stow's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Stow's water system has 284 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Middlesex County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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 Assabet River, Nashoba Brook, Cochituate Bk Bl Lake Cochituate, Sudbury River.
Where does Stow's water come from?
Stow's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 1,239 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Assabet River (river), Nashoba Brook (river), Cochituate Bk Bl Lake Cochituate (river), Sudbury River (river).
What Stow residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stow'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.
Stow'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
D1 — moderate droughtMiddlesex County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Middlesex County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Stow'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. | 2.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Stow compares by contaminant
Explore where Stow ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stow's water comes from
Stow'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 1,239 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Stow
Stow is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Stow
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGES AT STOW | MA2286024 | 300 | GW |
| JUNIPER HILL WATER COMPANY | MA2286000 | 220 | GW |
| PILOT GROVE APARTMENTS | MA2286018 | 175 | GW |
| PILOT GROVE APARTMENTS II | MA2286031 | 134 | GW |
| REGENCY AT STOW CONDOMINIUMS | MA2286033 | 132 | GW |
| ARBOR GLEN CONDOMINIUMS | MA2286026 | 132 | GW |
| THE MEETING HOUSE @ STOW CONDO | MA2286012 | 92 | GW |
| ELIZABETH BROOK APARTMENTS | MA2286017 | 54 | GW |
How Stow compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Stow's score of 56.8/100 is below 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 Stow, NH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stow's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Middlesex
Frequently asked questions
Is Stow, NH tap water safe to drink?
Stow's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #74 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Stow's water?
Lead was measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile). 284 violations are on record.
How is Stow'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 Stow?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stow's water come from?
Stow's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 1,239 residents.
What health violations has Stow's water system had?
Stow has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Stow's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Stow 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 284 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 Stow's water compare to other cities?
Stow ranks #74 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 38% of state cities) and #12425 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.