What Does the New Hampshire PFAS Map Tell Us About Water Safety?

TL;DR: The NH PFAS map identifies contamination hotspots including public water stations, private wells, and areas near industrial sites or military bases where water safety is a major concern. NH Tap helps homeowners by offering water testing and PFAS filtration solutions to address the risks of PFAS water contamination in NH.

As awareness of PFAS contamination grows, the NH PFAS map has become a critical tool for understanding the scope of contamination and identifying the areas with the highest risks. In this post, we’ll take a close look at the PFAS map, water contamination in NH, and what homeowners can do if they’re affected.

How the NH PFAS Map Works

The NH PFAS map is a public tool that allows you to search by town or region to see detailed water quality results. It covers surface water, groundwater, public systems, and private wells. You can view the contamination levels of specific PFAS chemicals, such as PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA, and how these levels have changed over time. As an interactive map, it provides real-time updates on contamination levels and trends.

Key PFAS Hotspots in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has multiple PFAS hotspots in NH, where contamination levels exceed the state’s Ambient Groundwater Quality Standards (AGQS). Set by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), these limits are designed to protect public health with clear maximum concentration levels (MCLs) for contaminants. When PFAS contamination exceeds 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS, action must be taken to address the issue.

Southern NH Hotspots

The southern part of New Hampshire is home to some of the highest levels of PFAS water contamination in NH. Industrial sites like the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics facility in Merrimack have been major sources of PFAS pollution. After water wells near the Saint-Gobain facility exceeded this limit, the company connected many affected homes to public water systems under a consent decree.

Merrimack and surrounding areas like Bedford and Litchfield have seen significant contamination, where private wells and public water systems have tested positive for PFAS at levels far above the AGQS. Homeowners in these areas must remain vigilant and consider regular water testing and filtration solutions.

Northern NH

Though much of the focus has been on southern New Hampshire, PFAS hotspots also exist in the northern part of the state. Some counties like Coos and Carroll, largely rural and relying heavily on private wells, have experienced PFAS contamination. These areas may not have immediate access to public water, leaving many residents dependent on well water that could be tainted with harmful levels of PFAS.

PFAS Contamination and Waste Sites

Solid Waste Facilities

Many of the NH PFAS water contamination issues stem from solid waste facilities and wastewater treatment sites, including Superfund sites like Coakley Landfill in North Hampton. These locations have either lined or unlined waste disposal areas where chemicals can leach into the groundwater. As of March 2024, 191 solid waste sites have been tested for PFAS, with about 74% exceeding the AGQS limits.

Hazardous Waste Remediation Sites

Hazardous waste sites have contributed significantly to PFAS pollution in New Hampshire, affecting nearby towns. By March 2024, 304 hazardous waste sites in New Hampshire had been tested for PFAS, with 96% detecting contamination and 78% exceeding state standards for chemicals like PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA.

Groundwater Discharge Permit Sites

NHDES also regulates facilities that dispose of wastewater into the ground through lagoons, leach fields, and spray irrigation systems. These sites, managed under a Groundwater Discharge Permit (GDP), are required to undergo periodic water quality monitoring. As of 2024, 88% of these sites have detected PFAS, with 50% exceeding the AGQS for various PFAS compounds.

How NH Tap Can Help Homeowners Affected by PFAS

If your home is located near one of these NH PFAS hotspots, it’s essential to take proactive steps to ensure your water is safe. NH Tap provides a range of services to help homeowners mitigate the risks of PFAS contamination.

1. Water Testing

NH Tap offers professional water testing services that allow homeowners to determine the exact levels of PFAS in their water supply. Regular testing is especially crucial for those living near industrial sites, landfills, or hazardous waste sites. And remember, if your home’s water comes from a private well, it’s not regulated by public health agencies. But by taking testing and filtration into your own hands, you ensure safe water for everyone in your household.

2. Filtration Solutions

If PFAS contamination is confirmed in your home, NH Tap provides customized filtration systems designed to remove harmful PFAS compounds. These solutions include granular activated carbon (GAC) filters and reverse osmosis systems, both of which are highly effective at reducing PFAS levels in drinking water. NH Tap can assess your home’s specific needs and recommend the most appropriate filtration system to ensure safe drinking water.

3. Ongoing Support

Water contamination issues can evolve over time, so NH Tap offers ongoing support to homeowners to help them stay informed and protected. With access to the NH PFAS map, NH Tap can monitor changes in water quality and offer timely advice on when further testing or additional filtration upgrades may be necessary.

Protect Your Home from PFAS Contamination

The NH PFAS map offers valuable insights into water safety risks across the state, identifying areas with high levels of contamination. For residents in both southern and northern New Hampshire, understanding where these hotspots are located is crucial for maintaining safe drinking water. NH Tap is here to help, offering comprehensive water testing and filtration solutions to protect your family from the dangers of PFAS water contamination in NH.

If you live in a high-risk area, don’t wait—take action today to ensure your water is clean and safe.