Water Quality in Concord, NH: 84 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Concord's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for Concord, NH, the record shows 84 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Concord
Water quality varies across Concord's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03305 | D | 50 | 21 | 14 | View report → |
| 03301 | D | 53 | 21 | 14 | View report → |
| 03303 | D | 53 | 21 | 14 | View report → |
| 03302 | C | 58 | 21 | 14 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Concord.
Water Quality Overview
Concord, New Hampshire receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Concord have accumulated 84 EPA violations, including 56 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 4 ZIP codes serving approximately 46,733 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Concord's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Concord water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 68% of homes built before 1986, Concord has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Concord is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Concord
Concord is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 46,733 people across 4 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 40 enforcement actions against water systems serving Concord. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Concord
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Concord Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Concord's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 36 | 4 | Yes |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 8 | 4 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 4 | 4 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 4 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 4 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Concord:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8 | 8 |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 28 | 28 |
| 2025 | 16 | 16 |
Violations have increased from 8 in 2021 to 16 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Concord. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-05-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-12 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-10-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-05-29.
Concord vs. Nearby New Hampshire Cities
How Concord's water quality compares to similar cities in New Hampshire:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concord | D | 84 | 5 | 46,733 |
| Portsmouth | C | 12 | 5 | 44,142 |
| Monroe | B | 9 | 5 | 35,983 |
| Hampton | B | 10 | 5 | 34,710 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Concord
Water quality varies across Concord's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03305 | 50 | D | 21 | 14 |
| 03301 | 53 | D | 21 | 14 |
| 03303 | 53 | D | 21 | 14 |
| 03302 | 58 | C | 21 | 14 |
Common Questions About Concord Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Concord, New Hampshire:
Is Concord water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Concord's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Concord tap water? Concord's water receives a grade of D (54/100). There are 56 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Concord? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Concord vs. New Hampshire Average
Understanding how Concord compares to the broader New Hampshire average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Concord.
ZIP Codes in Concord
Concord spans 4 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 03301. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.