Pelham is a small traditional New Hampshire village with a rural feel with serene beauty. Living in a classic New England community is truly a wonderful life for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. This town provides a great place to raise a family, with quiet neighborhoods and a wonderful school system. Overall, you can enjoy a remarkably peaceful environment in this community.
Pelham residents still need better water quality.
The town of Pelham has been very open with its struggle to have enough water for all of its citizens. Due to reduced water supply in bedrock, the city has been trying to find water supply for years around Sherburne Road. Currently, there are ongoing efforts to improve the water quality as city officials work tirelessly to address their problems.
City water vs. well water in Pelham
While Pennichuck does service some of the Pelham areas with clean water according to the state’s standards (Skyview Estates, Williamsburg, Whispering Winds, and Gage Hill), according to the EWG, there are some contaminants, even in city water that are not beneficial for human health. Throughout the state, well water sources struggle with various natural elements and man-made carcinogens like arsenic, radon, and PFAS.
Currently, the typical water concerns throughout the state include the following:
- Arsenic, the naturally occurring toxic element in NH bedrock, is found in 1-in-3 wells.
- Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that is released from bedrock into homes and water supplies.
- Bacterial contamination from things like E.coli in well water can cause severe medical problems.
- Pharmaceuticals can enter the water when people poorly dispose of their medicine.
- Heavy metals can be present in water due to natural deposits or human activity.
- Pesticides, Nitrates, and Chloride can enter source water from salt on the roads and in septic systems), leading to health and fertility/growth issues.
- Too much Fluoride can cause discolored teeth, bones, and other health issues.
- Lead from natural sources or old pipes causes developmental issues in children.
- And, of course, PFAS/PFOA, due to the different NH manufacturing spills and using PFAS-laden products.
Contaminants potentially in Pelham, NH water
With a spectrum of potential problems with the region’s water quality, homeowners and business people alike must test their water and find suitable options to provide safer water for themselves as well as their neighbors, customers, and family members.
The EWG report for Pelham.
While Pelham’s city water quality falls within legally authorized limits, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), legally permitted levels may not be most healthy for humans. Let’s take a look at what the EWG reports about Pelham water.
As of a study done in one area, with data from 2019, a few specific contaminants affect Pelham’s water. While these contaminants may fall under “legally safe” levels, the EWG notes that trace quantities can still damage human health, especially among young children, aging adults, and immunocompromised people.
The EWG found three contaminants of note —
Arsenic
Arsenic, a naturally occurring element in rock, soil, and water, can enter the water supply through natural activities as well as humans, including industrial processes like agricultural runoff. When you have long-term exposure to this chemical, you may experience skin problems or skin cancer, internal organ damage, and a general increased cancer risk.
Nitrate
Nitrates can enter your water supply through sewage, septic systems, and agricultural runoff. Unfortunately, it is a common contaminant in rural areas. If there are high levels of nitrates and drinking water, it can be particularly damaging for infants and pregnant women. Some of the health concerns that come with nitrate exposure include — Methemoglobinemia or other compromised oxygen flow in the body.
Uranium
As naturally occurring Radioactive material found in soil, water, and rocks, uranium can leach into groundwater, contaminating drinking supplies. If you have long-term exposure, you may experience the following health problems: colon kidney damage, bone health issues, and increased cancer risk.
NH Tap’s guidance for clean water in Pelham.
All Granite State residents should be conscious of the problems shrouding local water standards and quality reports throughout NH, whether they use well or city-mandated tap water in their homes. Here are some things to consider about the water you drink —
- City water depends on chemicals to clean the water, often leaving chemical byproducts like chlorine behind.
- Under the sink or refrigerator, filtration units do not eliminate most contaminants. They may make you feel safer about your water without really giving you the quality you need.
- While many think bottled water is a safer alternative to tap water, studies have revealed that bottled water is no purer than tap water when it comes to typical contaminants, in addition to the added plastic use.
Some steps Pelham residents can take to ensure they have clean water
As a Pelham, NH resident, you can take. a few steps to ensure your drinking water (and that of your neighbors) is safe and pure. Here are some tips to follow:
- Test Your Water: Have your water tested by a certified lab or company like NH Tap to determine what contaminants are present.
- Install a Water Filtration System: Consider installing a point-of-use or whole home water filtration system to remove any impurities from your drinking water. There are several types of filtration systems available, such as activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems.
- Properly Dispose of Household Chemicals: Properly dispose of household chemicals — such as cleaning products and pesticides — to prevent them from contaminating your drinking water or other water sources. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label for safe disposal.
- Maintain Your Septic System: If you have a septic system, be sure it is properly maintained and regularly pumped to prevent contamination.
By following these steps, you can help guarantee that your water is clean and safe for you and your family to use.
Schedule a water test to find out if you have contaminants in your water.
Ensuring that you have safe drinking water starts with understanding the water quality issues in your town and, more immediately, in your home. NH Tap can provide a range of tests (some that are free) to check the exact levels of contamination, so you can find out what filtration solution would best serve your home. Schedule your water test today.
Get Pelham’s best public or well water filtration.
NH Tap developed whole-home filtration systems for Pelham, NH that eradicate 99.9% of common water contaminants, including PFAS. Our single-tank units are relatively consolidated and are installed on-site to help your family avoid everything from industrial chemicals to heavy metals, chlorine, and more — allowing you to have the purest water for your home or business.
Because we customized our water filtration units for New Hampshire water, we provide the particular filtration media to remove contaminants specific to your Pelham public water or private well.
We offer —
- installation on all of our filtration systems
- 5-year warranty (including parts and labor)
- A lifetime of support
The NH Tap team serves our communities by helping people learn about their water needs and provides a 5-star experience to everyone who has us conduct a water test or install one of our systems. Whether you have well water or use city water, NH Tap can help you and your family gain peace of mind and enjoy delicious, pure water for years to come. Enjoy only the best water from every faucet and appliance in your home!