Is Tilton, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.4/100
waterverge.com Tilton, NH — Water Quality Report
Tilton's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,090 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 254 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tilton's water
Tilton ranks #39 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tilton 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, Tilton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tilton, NH water safe to drink?
Tilton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,090 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tilton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tilton's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Tetrachloroethylene, Benzene, Toluene.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4095). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Violation history
Tilton's water system has 254 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Belknap County has experienced 10 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 Winnipesaukee River, Merrimack River.
Where does Tilton's water come from?
Tilton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 1,090 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Winnipesaukee River (river), Merrimack River (river).
What Tilton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tilton'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.
Tilton'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 droughtBelknap 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
Belknap County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Tilton compares by contaminant
Explore where Tilton ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tilton's water comes from
Tilton'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,090 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Tilton
Tilton is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tilton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOCHMERE VILLAGE DIST | NH2351020 | 405 | GW |
| RODGERS DEV | NH2353010 | 220 | GW |
| WINNISQUAM VILLAGE CONDOS | NH2352040 | 125 | GW |
| COUNTRY MEADOWS | NH2353040 | 90 | GW |
| NORTHERN SHORES | NH2352020 | 88 | GW |
| WINDY HILL/SOUTH | NH2353090 | 73 | GW |
| WINDY HILL/NORTH | NH2353020 | 47 | GW |
| WINNISQUAM RESORT CONDOS | NH2352010 | 42 | GW |
How Tilton compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Tilton's score of 74.4/100 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 Tilton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Belknap
Frequently asked questions
Is Tilton, NH tap water safe to drink?
Tilton's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #39 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Tilton's water?
254 violations are on record.
How is Tilton'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 Tilton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tilton's water come from?
Tilton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 1,090 residents.
What health violations has Tilton's water system had?
Tilton has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tilton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tilton 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 254 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 Tilton's water compare to other cities?
Tilton ranks #39 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 67% of state cities) and #9862 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.