Is Unity, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.4/100
waterverge.com Unity, NH — Water Quality Report
Unity's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 625 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 89 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Unity's water
Unity ranks #17 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Unity 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, Unity may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Unity, NH water safe to drink?
Unity's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 625 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Unity
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Unity's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4624). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Violation history
Unity's water system has 89 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sullivan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Sugar River, Cold River.
Where does Unity's water come from?
Unity's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 625 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sugar River (river), Cold River (river).
What Unity residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Unity'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.
Unity'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 droughtSullivan 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
Sullivan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Unity compares by contaminant
Explore where Unity ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Unity's water comes from
Unity'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 625 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Unity
Unity is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Unity
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SULLIVAN COUNTY COMPLEX | NH2384010 | 625 | GW |
How Unity compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Unity's score of 86.4/100 is above the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Unity, NH
Wikipedia →Unity is a town in Sullivan County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,518 at the 2020 census, down from 1,671 at the 2010 census. The town includes the villages of Unity, East Unity, Quaker City, and West Unity.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Unity's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sullivan
Frequently asked questions
Is Unity, NH tap water safe to drink?
Unity's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #17 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Unity's water?
89 violations are on record.
How is Unity'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 Unity?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Unity's water come from?
Unity's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 625 residents.
What health violations has Unity's water system had?
Unity has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Unity's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Unity 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 89 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 Unity's water compare to other cities?
Unity ranks #17 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 86% of state cities) and #4742 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Unity's small water system affect quality?
Unity's system serves approximately 625 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 89 violations on record.