Is Wilton, NH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.2/100
waterverge.com Wilton, NH — Water Quality Report
Wilton's drinking water received a grade of B (75.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,790 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 63.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 28 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Wilton's water
Wilton ranks #38 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wilton 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Wilton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wilton, NH water safe to drink?
Wilton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (75.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,790 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wilton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wilton's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3360). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3333). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: p-Dichlorobenzene, Vinyl chloride, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wilton's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Wilton's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hillsborough County has experienced 9 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 Souhegan River (Site Wlr-1).
Where does Wilton's water come from?
Wilton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,790 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Souhegan River (Site Wlr-1) (river).
What Wilton residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wilton'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Wilton'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Wilton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wilton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MARMON UTILITY LLC MILFORD, NH03055 | Copper | 5 | 2.2 mi |
CIRTRONICS CORP MILFORD, NH03055 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
HITCHINER COUNTERGRAVITY CENTRIFUGAL CAST OPERATIONS (CCO) MILFORD, NH03055 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
HITCHINER COUNTERGRAVITY CAST OPERATIONS (VCO/DCO/MCT) MILFORD, NH03055 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
HAYDON KERK MOTION SOLUTIONS INC MILFORD, NH03055 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Wilton
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- SAVAGE MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY2.4 mi
- FLETCHER S PAINT WORKS STORAGE4.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHillsborough 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
Hillsborough County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Wilton'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. | 63.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 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. | 2.75 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 63.0 ppb (1993)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.750 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Wilton compares by contaminant
Explore where Wilton ranks among all New Hampshire cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wilton's water comes from
Wilton'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 1,790 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wilton
Wilton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wilton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILTON WATER WORKS | NH2521010 | 1,790 | GW |
How Wilton compares
Full New Hampshire rankings →Wilton's score of 75.2/100 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 →About Wilton, NH
Wikipedia →Wilton is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 3,896 at the 2020 census. Like many small New England towns, it grew up around water-powered textile mills, but is now a rural bedroom community with some manufacturing and service employment. Wilton is home to the High Mowing School, a private preparatory school.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wilton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hillsborough
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilton, NH tap water safe to drink?
Wilton's water quality earned a grade of B (75.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #38 out of 119 cities tested in New Hampshire.
What contaminants are in Wilton's water?
Lead was measured at 63.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Wilton'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 Wilton?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wilton's water come from?
Wilton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,790 residents.
What health violations has Wilton's water system had?
Wilton has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 1995. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Wilton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wilton 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 28 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 Wilton's water compare to other cities?
Wilton ranks #38 out of 119 cities in New Hampshire (better than 68% of state cities) and #9656 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wilton's small water system affect quality?
Wilton's system serves approximately 1,790 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 28 violations on record.