Water Quality: Alton, NH
4 water systems • 2,263 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Alton is served by 4 public water systems with a combined service population of 2,263 people, and has 36 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 13 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Alton's violation count is 13% below the national average for New Hampshire. Contaminants associated with violations include Barium, Chlorine Dioxide, Disinfection Byproducts, E. coli.
Contaminants Found
Increases blood pressure and causes cardiovascular effects with long-term exposure.
Common source: Natural rock deposits, oil drilling operations, coal power plant waste
EPA limit: 2 mg/L
Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms
EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Water Systems Serving Alton
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALTON WATER WORKS | NH0061010 | Groundwater | 1,800 | 5 |
| MERRYMEETING MHP | NH0063020 | Groundwater | 265 | 5 |
| EAGLES REST MHP | NH0062010 | Groundwater | 138 | 1 |
| 18 HUGHES LN/EFFINGHAM | NH0732040 | Groundwater | 60 | 25 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in New Hampshire
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.