Understand Consumer Confidence Reports for Drinking Water

TL;DR: A Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) provides detailed information about your local drinking water quality, including sources, detected contaminants, and compliance with safety standards. These annual reports, required for public water systems, help NH residents understand what’s in their water and whether it meets health regulations. By reviewing your Consumer Confidence Report in NH, you can make informed decisions about water safety and any additional steps needed, like filtration.

What is a Consumer Confidence Report?

Every year, public water systems across the United States must provide their customers with a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). These reports, also known as NH water quality reports, are required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. A CCR gives you a snapshot of your drinking water’s quality, offering transparency about the water you use every day for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

In New Hampshire, where many communities depend on public water systems, a CCR drinking water NH report is one of the most accessible tools for understanding water safety. The EPA designed these reports to inform you about potential contaminants in your water and how your water system is working to address them.

What Information Does a CCR Include?

When you receive your CCR for drinking water in NH, you’ll notice that it’s packed with valuable details about your water.

1. Source of Your Water

The CCR identifies the source of your water, whether it comes from groundwater, surface water, or a combination of both. For example, some systems rely on lakes, rivers, or reservoirs, while others pull water from wells. Knowing the source can help you understand potential risks. For instance, agricultural runoff can cause natural contaminants like arsenic to contaminate surface water.

2. Detected Contaminants

Your report will also list any contaminants found during testing. These may include:

• Microorganisms like bacteria or viruses.
• Disinfectants such as chlorine or chloramine used to treat the water.
• Inorganic chemicals like lead, copper, and nitrates.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as solvents or industrial chemicals.

For each contaminant, the CCR includes the detected level and the legal limit set by the EPA. Sometimes, it also notes any potential health effects.

3. Compliance with Safety Standards

The report will tell you whether your water system met EPA regulations during the year. If there were any violations—such as contaminants exceeding safe limits—it must explain what went wrong and how the issue was addressed.

4. Potential Risks and Advisories

Your CCR may also include information on specific risks for vulnerable populations, such as infants, pregnant women, or individuals with weakened immune systems. For instance, high nitrate levels can be dangerous for infants.

5. Educational Resources

CCR reports often include additional resources to help you understand water quality issues, such as tips for protecting your water source or contact information for local water authorities.

How to Use Your Consumer Confidence Report

Your NH water quality report isn’t just a formality—it’s a powerful tool to help you make informed decisions about your water. Here’s how you can put it to good use:

1. Check for Contaminants: If any levels are close to or exceed EPA limits, it’s a signal to take action. Even if the report says the water is safe, you might still choose to install a filtration system for added peace of mind.
2. Understand Your Source Water Risks: If your water comes from a source prone to specific contaminants, like arsenic in NH’s groundwater, consider testing your water independently. Private wells are not included in CCRs, so if you have a well, you’ll need to rely on separate testing.
3. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to contact your water supplier if something in the report is unclear. They can provide additional context about the findings or explain any steps they’re taking to improve water quality.
4. Evaluate Filtration Needs: If your report shows elevated levels of contaminants like lead, PFAS, or nitrates, look into filtration options. Reverse osmosis systems, carbon filters, or UV systems can address specific contaminants effectively.

Recent Changes to Consumer Confidence Report Rules

In May 2024, the EPA announced revisions that will improve transparency and accessibility for water system customers, starting in 2027. The EPA rules push for CCRs to be easier to read, published in multiple languages, and easily available electronically.

The rules also include biannual public notification updates to keep customers informed more frequently.

Why Are CCRs Important for NH Residents?

New Hampshire residents face water quality challenges, from naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic to growing concerns over PFAS chemicals. By reviewing your Consumer Confidence Report NH, you gain insight into these risks and how well your local water system is managing them.

CCRs also provide a level of transparency that allows you to hold water suppliers accountable. If your system fails to meet EPA standards, the report will outline what actions were taken to resolve the issue and prevent future violations.

What CCRs Don’t Cover

While CCRs are comprehensive for public water systems, they don’t apply to private wells, which are common in rural areas of New Hampshire. If you rely on a private well, you’ll need to conduct your own water testing to identify contaminants. Also, CCRs don’t account for contamination that occurs after water enters your home, such as leaching from old pipes or plumbing materials.

For these reasons, even if your CCR looks perfect, you may still want to test your water independently and consider adding filtration for long-term safety.

Don’t Forget About CCRs for Drinking Water in NH

Your Consumer Confidence Report NH is one of the most important tools for understanding your local water quality.

Use your CCR to identify any risks, ask questions, and decide if additional steps like filtration or independent testing are necessary. Safe, clean water is essential, and taking the time to review your report ensures you stay informed and proactive about the quality of your water.