Last updated: April 2026.
๐ฟ New Hampshire Shower Water Quality Report (2026)
Comprehensive analysis of New Hampshire water quality across 1 city โข Based on real EWG testing data โข Updated 2026
If you live in New Hampshire, you may be showering in water that contains contaminants exceeding health guidelines โ and you might not even know it. Our analysis of water quality data across 1 New Hampshire city reveals 5 contaminants that may exceed EWG health guidelines.
New Hampshire faces unique water quality challenges including PFAS contamination and naturally occurring arsenic. Whether you're in Concord or elsewhere in the state, understanding what's in your shower water is the first step toward protecting your skin and hair.
๐ New Hampshire Water Quality at a Glance
Across New Hampshire, we analyzed water quality data from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database. The results show that New Hampshire residents may be exposed to a range of contaminants through their shower water โ many at levels that exceed health guidelines set by the EWG, which are often stricter than federal legal limits.
โ ๏ธ Top Contaminants Found in New Hampshire Water
Based on EWG data analysis, here are the most significant contaminants detected in New Hampshire water supplies:
| Contaminant | Avg. Level | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 21.18 ppb | 0.0600 ppb | โ ๏ธ 352.9x above |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | โ ๏ธ 6.1x above |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | โ ๏ธ 1.7x above |
| Chlorate | 280.42 ppb | 210.00 ppb | โ ๏ธ 1.3x above |
| Manganese | 100.60 ppb | 100.00 ppb | โ ๏ธ 1.0x above |
| N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N-EtFOSAA) | 0.0000 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | โ Within guideline |
| Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) | 0.0000 ppt | 0.0010 ppt | โ Within guideline |
| Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) | 0.0000 ppt | 0.0020 ppt | โ Within guideline |
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)
The health guideline of 0.06 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA9) was defined by EWG . This health guideline protects against cancer.
National Average: 23.70 ppb | New Hampshire Average: 21.18 ppb
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
The health guideline of 0.09 ppt for PFOA was defined by California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline Harm to the immune system; harm to fetal growth and child development; increased cholesterol.
National Average: 0.0000 ppt | New Hampshire Average: 0.0000 ppt
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
The health guideline of 0.3 ppt for PFOS was defined by EWG based on studies by Phillipe Grandjean of Harvard University and many other independent researchers who found reduced effectiveness of vaccines and adverse impacts on mammary gland development from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the two PFAS most widely detected in drinking water. This health guideline cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.
National Average: 0.0000 ppt | New Hampshire Average: 0.0000 ppt
Chlorate
The health guideline of 210 ppb for chlorate was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against hormone disruption.
National Average: 116.76 ppb | New Hampshire Average: 280.42 ppb
๐๏ธ City-by-City Water Quality in New Hampshire
We've analyzed water quality in 1 New Hampshire city. Click on any city to see its detailed water quality report:
| City | Contaminants Found | Above EWG Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Concord | 10 | 5 |
๐ฉบ Health Effects of New Hampshire Water Contaminants
The contaminants found in New Hampshire water may be associated with various health concerns. When you shower, your skin โ your body's largest organ โ can absorb these substances, and you may inhale steam containing volatile compounds.
๐งด Skin & Hair
๐ซ Respiratory
- Steam inhalation of chlorine/VOCs
- May aggravate asthma symptoms
- Potential respiratory irritation
โ๏ธ Long-Term Concerns
- Disinfection byproduct exposure
- Eczema flare-ups
- Cumulative contaminant absorption
๐ก๏ธ How to Protect Yourself from New Hampshire Water Contaminants
The good news: you don't have to accept whatever comes out of your New Hampshire showerhead. A quality shower filter can significantly reduce many of the contaminants found in your water.
Key contaminants a shower filter can help address:
- Haloacetic acids (HAA9) โ learn about health effects and removal
- Manganese โ learn about health effects and removal
- Chlorine โ learn about health effects and removal
- Lead โ learn about health effects and removal
Additionally, understanding common symptoms can help you identify water quality issues:
๐ง Recommended Shower Filtration for New Hampshire
Based on New Hampshire's water quality profile, we recommend a multi-stage filtration system. Afina's shower filters use KDF-55 and activated carbon to target chlorine, heavy metals, and other common contaminants found in New Hampshire water.
Afina Filtered Showerhead
Multi-stage filter built right into a high-pressure showerhead. No adapters needed.
Shop Now โAfina Shower Filter
Attach between your pipe and any showerhead. KDF-55 + activated carbon filtration.
Shop Now โReplacement Filter
Keep your filtration fresh. Replace every 2-3 months for optimal contaminant removal.
Shop Now โโ Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Hampshire tap water safe to shower in?
While New Hampshire tap water meets federal legal standards (MCLs), our analysis found 5 contaminants exceeding stricter EWG health guidelines. Federal limits don't always reflect the latest health research, so many health-conscious residents choose to add shower filtration for an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in New Hampshire water?
Based on EWG data, New Hampshire water contains up to 10 detected contaminants. The most notable include Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). New Hampshire faces specific challenges with PFAS contamination and naturally occurring arsenic.
Does New Hampshire have hard water?
New Hampshire water tends to be on the softer side, though mineral levels can vary by municipality. Even soft water may contain other contaminants of concern.
Do I need a shower filter in New Hampshire?
Given that New Hampshire water contains contaminants above EWG health guidelines, a shower filter may help reduce your exposure to chlorine, heavy metals, and disinfection byproducts. This is especially important if you experience dry skin, itchy scalp, or hair issues after showering.
How does New Hampshire water compare to the national average?
New Hampshire is in the New England region and faces water quality challenges common to the area, including PFAS contamination and naturally occurring arsenic. Some contaminants may be above national averages depending on your specific city and water source.
Data sourced from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database. This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: March 2026.
