Tap Water Results

Is Dover, NH tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Dover Water Dept.

Dover Water Dept supplies Dover (29,000 people).

Water system

Dover Water Dept

29,000 people · Groundwater · EPA ID NH0651010

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 1 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2024, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Across New Hampshire, 9 of 49 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 25 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. New Hampshire results.

Dover homes and lead pipes

55%
of homes built before 1980 (New Hampshire 52%, US 50%)
27%
built before 1950 (New Hampshire 22%)
47%
of households rent (New Hampshire 27%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Dover city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Rochester 9 mi
Rochester Water Dept
Rochester Water DeptNone above limits2 ppb
Derry 29 mi
Derry Water Dept
Derry Water DeptNone above limits0 ppb
Manchester 31 mi
Manchester Water Works
Manchester Water WorksAbove limit0 ppb
Salem 32 mi
Salem Water Dept
Salem Water DeptAbove limit2 ppb
Londonderry 33 mi
Derry Water Dept
Derry Water DeptNone above limits0 ppb
Concord 34 mi
Concord Water Dept
Concord Water DeptNone above limits1 ppb
Dover ZIP codes (1)
  • 03820

Questions

Is Dover tap water safe to drink?

Dover Water Dept has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Dover, NH?

Dover Water Dept, which serves 29,000 people.

Does Dover tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Dover Water Dept had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Dover homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 55% of Dover homes as built before 1980 (New Hampshire: 52%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Dover Water Dept's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.