Health Violations Found NH 3 HEALTH VIOLATIONS

Manchester Water Works

EPA ID: NH1471010 · 123,500 people served · 13 ZIP codes

Over the past five years, Manchester Water Works recorded 9 violations, all subsequently resolved through the EPA enforcement process — the supplier currently operates in good standing, with no active actions on file for its 123,500 residents.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

B · 78
Avg Safety Score
123,500
People Served
13
ZIP Codes Served
9
Violations (5yr)
Surface Water
Water Source
0.001 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 2
Radon Risk · Moderate
7
Contaminants Flagged
$364K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Manchester Water Works Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade B

Service Area Demographics

$107,137
Median Household Income
198,400
Service Area Population
16%
Disadvantaged Population
29th
Poverty Percentile
61th
Energy Burden Percentile
63%
Pre-1986 Housing

The Manchester Water Works serves a community with a median household income of $107,137 and an estimated 198,400 residents across its service area. Approximately 63% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Surface Water

Manchester Water Works's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
38th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
68th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 1% of homes in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 68th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites.

Infrastructure Risk

53 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Copper
Pipe Material
17 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Stable
Decay Status
Installed 76% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Manchester Water Works compares to EPA limits

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) 1 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.08 mg/L
Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns

What This Means For You

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.08 mg/L. Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.

Lead and Copper Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Stage 1 DBP Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Surface Water Treatment Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

PFAS Detected in Service Area

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 8 detections recorded. 6 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS).

State limits: PFOA: 0.012 ppt, PFOS: 0.015 ppt, PFHxS: 0.018 ppt, PFNA: 0.011 ppt
Health concern: PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects. They do not break down naturally.
Recommended filter: Reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal. Find the right filter →

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) was detected in this water system. granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration can reduce exposure.

Find a certified water filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in New Hampshire

Pennichuck Water Works
89,073 people
B 1 violation
Concord Water Department
44,215 people
D 21 violations
Aquarion Water/nh
34,000 people
C 9 violations
Portsmouth Water Works
33,000 people
B 3 violations
Keene Water Department
30,000 people
C 1 violation

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Flood Insurance Water Filtration Radon Mitigation PFAS Treatment
Flood Insurance $1,031
Water Filtration $485
Radon Mitigation $400
PFAS Treatment $231
Total Estimated Cost $2,146

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,000

Annual per household (CDC est.)

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$5,165
10 years
$10,330
20 years
$20,660

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $2,146 (one-time) vs. $10,330 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

Manchester Water Works (EPA ID: NH1471010) is a community water system in New Hampshire that serves approximately 123,500 people from surface water sources.

This system provides water to 13 ZIP codes across 5 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: B (78/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

3 health-based violations recorded in the past 5 years. All violations have been resolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
April 1, 2025 Stage 1 DBP Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2024 Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2024 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
October 3, 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
October 1, 2023 Barium Health-based Resolved
August 14, 2023 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Health-based Resolved
August 14, 2023 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 11, 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Failure 2 No
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting Failure 2 Yes
Barium Inorganic 1 Yes
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 1 No
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 1 No
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 1 No
Contaminant 0700 Other Violation 1 Yes

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
03101 0.001 mg/L No N/A
03102 0.001 mg/L No N/A
03103 0.001 mg/L No N/A
03104 0.001 mg/L No N/A
03105 0.001 mg/L No N/A
03107 0.001 mg/L No N/A
03108 0.001 mg/L No N/A
03109 0.001 mg/L No N/A
03111 0.001 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Need help with your water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: 9 ZIP codes confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 4 additional ZIPs inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Manchester Water Works (NH1471010) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manchester Water Works water safe to drink?

Manchester Water Works has recorded 3 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does Manchester Water Works serve?

Manchester Water Works serves approximately 123,500 people across 13 ZIP codes in New Hampshire.

Where does Manchester Water Works get its water?

The primary water source is surface water.

Contact Your Water Utility

Public-record contact information for the water utility serving this system. Use these channels to request water quality reports, ask about service, or report issues directly.

Phone
(603) 792-2851
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Contact information from Manchester Water Works Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Water Source & Treatment

Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.

Source
Surface water
Drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Disinfectant used
Chloramines
Treatment chemicals reported
aluminum sulfatesoda ashozonesodium bisulfitesodium hypochloriteaqueous ammoniaphosphoric acidfluorosilicic acidcaustic soda

Source: Manchester Water Works Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.

Source water assessment from Manchester Water Works Consumer Confidence Report:
Lake Massabesic received four high and four medium vulnerability ratings and low vulnerability ratings for five additional categories. Concern was raised over the detection of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), now prohibited, which came from reformulated gasoline. Concern was also raised over potential contamination sources on the watershed, such as highways.

Treatment regime

How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.

Treatment classification
Advanced
Advanced treatment that may include ozonation, ultraviolet disinfection, activated-carbon filtration, or membrane filtration. Used when source water has elevated contamination risk or to remove disinfection byproducts.

Treatment chemicals and what each one does

Chemical names are reported verbatim by the utility. Purpose categories are ZipCheckup annotations based on standard drinking-water treatment practice.

Disinfectant
Inactivates bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the treated water.
ozonesodium hypochlorite
pH adjustment
Raises or lowers water acidity to protect pipes and improve treatment performance.
soda ashcaustic soda
Corrosion inhibitor
Coats pipe interiors to reduce lead and copper leaching from premise plumbing.
phosphoric acid
Coagulant
Causes suspended particles to clump together so they can be removed by filtration.
aluminum sulfate
Fluoridation
Added at low levels per state or local public-health policy for dental health.
fluorosilicic acid
Other reported chemicals
Reported by the utility but not in our annotation dictionary.
sodium bisulfiteaqueous ammonia

Watershed exposure sources reported

Land-use and natural conditions identified in the utility's source-water assessment as potential contamination sources upstream of treatment.

AgricultureIndustrial activityStorage tanksHighways

Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from Manchester Water Works Consumer Confidence Report.

Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Detected

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). PFAS compounds were detected below the current state-enforceable MCL.

Samples collected
116
Detections
4
Latest sample
12/13/2023
Highest analyte
PFOA: 5 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFOA 5 ppt 10 ppt Above 2029 federal MCL

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

PFAS Substances Detected in This System

This water system's Consumer Confidence Report disclosed the following PFAS compounds. Levels are from the utility's most recent reporting cycle.

Substance Detected level EPA limit Status
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
4.68 ppt 4 ppt Above EPA limit
PFBA
Not yet EPA-regulated
3.25 ppt No federal limit set

In April 2024, EPA finalized the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS. Public water systems have until 2029 to comply. EPA — PFAS regulation overview →

Source: Consumer Confidence Report disclosed by Manchester Water Works.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. PFAS detection data is sourced from public Consumer Confidence Reports filed by the utility itself.

Learn more about PFAS health effects and filtration →

Lead Service Line Replacement Tracker

This water utility's lead service line (LSL) replacement program is tracked from public Consumer Confidence Report filings. Email signup notifies subscribers when the utility files an updated replacement plan or progress milestone.

Get notified on replacement progress

Subscribers receive an email when this utility updates its LSL plan, files a milestone report, or adjusts replacement timelines. No marketing, no third-party sharing.

By submitting you agree to Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime via the link in any email.

Manchester Water Works

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. LSL replacement-program data is sourced from public CCR filings published by the utility. Subscription notifications are based on automated parsing of subsequent CCR releases.

Learn more about Lead and Copper Rule replacement requirements →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

0
Confirmed Lead
0
Galvanized — Replacement Required
17,297
Unknown Material
0
Confirmed Non-Lead

This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported some but not all service line types
Latest tap sample on 2024-01-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 123,500
Reported to New Hampshire

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Aesthetic water quality

These measurements describe the look, taste, and feel of the water this utility delivers. They are not contaminant violations — they sit alongside federal Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCLs) which the EPA publishes as non-enforceable guidance.

pH
7.71
How acidic or basic the water is on a 0-14 scale. Drinking water is typically near neutral.
EPA secondary range: 6.5 – 8.5
Fluoride
0.68 ppm
Utility adds fluoride
Measured fluoride concentration in parts per million.
EPA secondary MCL: 2.0 ppm

Aesthetic measurements from Manchester Water Works Consumer Confidence Report.

Aesthetic measurements are reported by the utility from its annual sampling. EPA Secondary MCLs are advisory thresholds — values outside them indicate aesthetic concerns such as taste or appearance, not health violations. Federal contaminant testing is shown in the sections above.

How Water Systems Appear in Rankings

Water systems are evaluated by violation history, contaminant detections, and service population. Larger systems with more service connections appear in more rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from Manchester Water Works safe to drink?
Manchester Water Works earns a B safety grade with 9 violations in the past 5 years. Tap water meets EPA standards for most contaminants.
What contaminants are in Manchester Water Works's water?
Detected contaminants include Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Stage 1 DBP Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 5 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does Manchester Water Works serve?
Manchester Water Works serves approximately 123,500 people with drinking water across 13 ZIP codes.
What is Manchester Water Works's water source?
Manchester Water Works draws water from surface water sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Manchester Water Works's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.001 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of Manchester Water Works's service area?
The Manchester Water Works service area has a median household income of $107,137. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does Manchester Water Works get its water?
Manchester Water Works's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

Manchester Water Works (EPA ID: NH1471010) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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