Tap Water Results

Is Rochester, 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 Rochester Water Dept.

9 public water systems serve parts of Rochester. The largest, Rochester Water Dept, serves 25,000 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Rochester Water Dept

25,000 people · Surface water · EPA ID NH2001010

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: 2 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2023, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 3

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.

Rochester homes and lead pipes

52%
of homes built before 1980 (New Hampshire 52%, US 50%)
21%
built before 1950 (New Hampshire 22%)
34%
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 Rochester city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Rochester

  • Acorn Terrace Water System
    215 people · Groundwater · New Hampshire · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
  • Rochester Consecutive Water System
    171 people · Purchased surface water · New Hampshire · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
  • Profile Apartments Water System
    90 people · Groundwater · New Hampshire · lists this city
    Coliform bacteria violationsAlso: Gross alpha violations · Radium (combined 226/228) violation
  • Inn at Secretariat Estates Water System
    54 people · Groundwater · New Hampshire · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
  • Meadowbrook Village Water System
    40 people · Groundwater · New Hampshire · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
  • Heath Brook Estates Water System
    36 people · Groundwater · New Hampshire · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
2 more systems
  • Country Ridge Mobile Home Park Water System
    35 people · Groundwater · New Hampshire · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sampleAlso: 1 health-based violation since 2016
  • Grandview Estates Water System
    30 people · Groundwater · New Hampshire · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Dover 9 mi
Dover Water Dept
Dover Water DeptNone above limits1 ppb
Concord 30 mi
Concord Water Dept
Concord Water DeptNone above limits1 ppb
Manchester 32 mi
Manchester Water Works
Manchester Water WorksAbove limit0 ppb
Derry 32 mi
Derry Water Dept
Derry Water DeptNone above limits0 ppb
Londonderry 36 mi
Derry Water Dept
Derry Water DeptNone above limits0 ppb
Salem 37 mi
Salem Water Dept
Salem Water DeptAbove limit2 ppb
Rochester ZIP codes (3)
  • 03839
  • 03867
  • 03868

Questions

Is Rochester tap water safe to drink?

Rochester Water Dept had 3 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 Rochester, NH?

9 public water systems serve parts of Rochester. The largest is Rochester Water Dept (25,000 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Rochester tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Rochester 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 Rochester homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 52% of Rochester 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. Rochester 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.