C51/100
Rye Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 4,300 residents · New Hampshire
What's In Rye's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
3
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 2.22 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.008 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.008 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
When: October 1, 2022 – November 1, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
RYE WATER DIST
Population Served
4,300
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NH2041010
Frequently Asked Questions About Rye Water
Is Rye tap water safe to drink?
Rye, New Hampshire tap water receives a grade of C (51/100), which is considered fair. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 5 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Rye's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Rye's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, PFOS, Copper (90th percentile). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Rye have any water quality violations?
Yes, Rye has 5 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MCL. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Rye?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Rye is recommended. 3 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Rye's tap water come from?
Rye's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by RYE WATER DIST. The system serves approximately 4,300 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Rye's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Rye's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Rye's water compare to other cities in New Hampshire?
Rye's water quality score of 51/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our New Hampshire state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Rye's water quality?
If you have concerns about Rye's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (RYE WATER DIST) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.