Water departments throughout New Hampshire operate under the state's primacy authority for the Safe Drinking Water Act, which means the state environmental or health agency has primary responsibility for enforcing federal drinking water standards within New Hampshire. Each local water system must meet those standards while managing the unique characteristics of its local water sources.
Water Departments locations are available in 23 cities across New Hampshire. They are spread across 10 counties.
Cities with the highest concentration of water department offices include Portsmouth, Newport, Manchester, which serve larger populations and maintain more complex treatment and distribution infrastructure.
Residents of New Hampshire can access their local water system's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) either through the water department's website or by contacting the department directly. These annual reports are required by federal law and disclose the water source, detected contaminant levels, and any violations that occurred during the reporting year.
Water Departments by Counties
New Hampshire residents who have concerns about drinking water quality — including taste, odor, discoloration, or potential contamination — should contact their local water department's customer service line to report the issue and request information. For systemic or unresolved concerns, complaints can also be filed with the New Hampshire state drinking water program.
Browse Water Departments by county across New Hampshire to find the water department serving your address, including contact numbers, payment portals, and service request forms.