Chichester, NH: Lead Above EPA Limits — 58/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Chichester water quality is uneven — some service areas show clean compliance; others carry documented violations in NH EPA records.
How Chichester Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Chichester Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.016 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 44% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $4,840 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.83.
Water Systems Serving Chichester
For most households in Chichester, NH, tap water comes from one provider — the utility that controls the local distribution system out of 1 tracked in federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Chichester, New Hampshire, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,693 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Chichester — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Chichester: C (58/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Chichester water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0160 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03258 | C | Robinsons Mhp/upper | 28 |
All ZIP Codes in Chichester
- 03258 [C]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Chichester
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Chichester's Housing Stock?
With 44% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Prohibited from residential plumbing since 1986, lead solder divides Chichester's housing stock along a timeline that the median build year of 1980 straddles. A meaningful share of homes predates the ban — a configuration that places moderate aggregate pressure on plumbing-related lead risk, distributed unevenly across neighborhoods.
Most homes in Chichester were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Chichester: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While Chichester homeowners face a manageable path to remediation, the equity share sits in the moderate tier — a signal that proactive budgeting matters more here than in lower-ratio markets.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Chichester. The estimated $2,960–$6,820 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 1% below the New Hampshire average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Chichester
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
44% — that captures the slice of Chichester housing built before the federal ban on solder containing lead. Aggregate utility samples have also moved past the action threshold, meaning the system-level data and the housing-inventory data point the same direction. Households with kids or pregnant residents face a practical question that only a faucet sample can answer for one specific address, with certified filter options through retailer networks available where confirmed results warrant it.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Chichester
Multiple flood events have been recorded for Chichester through the NFIP — 1 claim in total, with 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated zones — pointing to a flood exposure profile that merits inclusion in a water quality assessment without reaching high-severity planning territory.
Chichester has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $39,878 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$4,840</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Chichester
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 44% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Chichester, NH