Newbury, NH: Lead Above EPA Limits — 57/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Newbury meets baseline drinking water standards, some NH-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Newbury Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Newbury Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 2 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.022 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 45% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $4,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.83.
Who Supplies Your Water in Newbury
Residential water in Newbury, NH is supplied by 2 separate utilities — not one centralized authority. Each of those providers operates under its own service territory boundary, maintains its own distribution infrastructure, and files compliance documentation with the EPA on its own timeline. Federal data counts 2 water systems in the area, with these providers collectively accounting for the dominant share of household connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Newbury, New Hampshire, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,957 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Newbury: C (57/100)
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
Newbury water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0220 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03255 | C | 2 | 0 | Chalk Pond Water |
All ZIP Codes in Newbury
- 03255 [C] — 2 violations
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.
Health Outcomes in Newbury
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
Top Contaminants in Newbury Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Newbury
With 45% 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
Development in Newbury unfolded across multiple decades, and the median build year of 1981 reflects a housing inventory where eras of construction are genuinely mixed — including portions that predate the federal prohibition on lead solder in plumbing.
Most homes in Newbury 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Newbury Homeowners
Low proportionality — that's the Newbury picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Newbury are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,600–$6,200 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 21% above the New Hampshire average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Newbury
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.
Locally for Newbury, the pre-rule housing share runs at 45%, and citywide utility monitoring has moved past the federal action mark. The high pre-1986 share combined with system samples crossing threshold places lead among the higher-priority household water concerns. Families with kids or pregnant residents can find a draw-test kit and certified filter via retailer-verified channels, with periodic retesting capturing changes after plumbing work or extended stagnation.
<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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Newbury
Although Newbury's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 3 claims and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Newbury has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $1,537 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>$4,300</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 Newbury
- 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. Filters rated for Stage 1 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Newbury's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 45% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Newbury, NH