Is Whitefield, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81.9/100
waterverge.com Whitefield, NH — Water Quality Report
Whitefield's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,640 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 16 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Whitefield's water
Whitefield ranks #25 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Whitefield 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, Whitefield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Whitefield, NH water safe to drink?
Whitefield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,640 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Whitefield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Whitefield's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Whitefield's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Whitefield's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Whitefield's water come from?
Whitefield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,640 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Connecticut River (river), Ammonoosuc River (river).
What Whitefield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Whitefield'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Whitefield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Whitefield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STILES FUEL CO LITTLETON, NH03561 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
FITCH FUEL CO INC. LANCASTER, NH03584 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCoos 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Whitefield's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2.17 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.170 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Whitefield compares by contaminant
Explore where Whitefield ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Whitefield's water comes from
Whitefield'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 1,640 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Whitefield
Whitefield is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Whitefield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITEFIELD WATER | NH2501010 | 1,640 | GW |
How Whitefield compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Whitefield's score of 81.9/100 is above the average of 69/100 among major New Hampshire cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Hampshire rankings →About Whitefield, NH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Whitefield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Coos
Frequently asked questions
Is Whitefield, NH tap water safe to drink?
Whitefield's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #25 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Whitefield's water?
16 violations are on record.
How is Whitefield'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 Whitefield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Whitefield's water come from?
Whitefield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,640 residents.
What health violations has Whitefield's water system had?
Whitefield has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Whitefield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Whitefield 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 16 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 Whitefield's water compare to other cities?
Whitefield ranks #25 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 79% of state cities) and #7259 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Whitefield's small water system affect quality?
Whitefield's system serves approximately 1,640 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 16 violations on record.