Portsmouth, NH tap water: what's in it in 2025
Serving 22K residents via Portsmouth Water Division
Portsmouth has significant water quality concerns including pfas from pease air force base afff. EPA legal limits are set based on treatment feasibility — not always on what independent health scientists consider safe. Certified filtration is strongly recommended for this water supply.
Portsmouth was one of the first US communities to discover PFAS in its drinking water — traced to Pease Air Force Base firefighting foam use.
Pease AFB was closed in 1991 but AFFF residue remains in the groundwater used by the Coakley landfill and surrounding area.
EPA UCMR5 data shows PFOA above the 4 ppt federal limit in the Portsmouth water system.
The Pease contamination story is one of the most documented military PFAS cases in the country — RO is strongly recommended.
Source: EPA UCMR5 national monitoring dataset · Testing period 2023–2025 · MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (legally enforceable limit) · Health limit = EPA health advisory threshold
Based on Portsmouth's water profile above, here's the exact system we recommend — and why it's right for this water supply specifically.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Is Portsmouth tap water safe to drink in 2025?
Portsmouth water meets EPA legal standards, but meeting legal standards is not the same as being free of health concerns. EPA limits are set based on treatment feasibility, not always on what independent scientists consider safe. Portsmouth has pfas from pease air force base afff which is a significant concern — certified filtration is strongly recommended.
Does Portsmouth water have PFAS?
EPA UCMR5 monitoring data for Portsmouth (water system NH1181010) is shown above. PFAS — sometimes called "forever chemicals" — are synthetic compounds that don't break down in the body. Only reverse osmosis systems or NSF 58-certified carbon block filters reliably remove PFAS from tap water. Standard pitcher filters do not remove PFAS.
Does Portsmouth water have lead?
Lead in tap water almost always comes from the pipes inside your home or building, not the treatment plant. Homes built before 1986 in Portsmouth are most at risk because they may have lead solder, brass fittings, or lead service lines. The EPA has no safe level for lead in children. An NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system removes lead at the tap.
What water filter is best for Portsmouth?
For Portsmouth's water profile — pfas from pease air force base afff, groundwater contamination — a reverse osmosis system addresses the widest range of contaminants. Under-sink RO (Waterdrop G3P800, Aquasana SmartFlow) is the gold standard for homeowners. Renters can use a countertop RO like the Waterdrop D4 — zero installation required. Clearly Filtered pitchers are the best non-RO option for PFAS and lead.
How do I get my Portsmouth water tested?
For the most accurate results for your specific tap, use a certified mail-in lab test rather than relying on city-wide data. SimpleLab Tap Score tests for 100+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, and nitrates. Results come with a detailed health assessment and filter recommendations. City-wide EPA data like what you see above is a strong baseline, but your home's plumbing can add contaminants after the water leaves the treatment plant.
As of October 2024, all US water utilities must publish a public inventory of their lead service lines — the pipes connecting the water main to your home. Even if your utility water tests clean at the treatment plant, lead can leach from these pipes into your tap. Homes built before 1986 are most at risk.
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City-wide data is just the start. Enter your ZIP to see your exact water system's EPA report, PFAS levels, and violation history — then get the right filter for your home.
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