PFAS in New Hampshire

  • Last updated: July 16, 2025
PFAS in new hampshire
Source: https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/map/

I have closely followed the growing concerns around PFAS in New Hampshire and the ways these chemicals continue to impact drinking water, health, and local communities. PFAS—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—have been used in consumer products and industrial settings for decades. Today, we know these chemicals do not break down easily and can remain in water, soil, and the human body for many years.

For residents of New Hampshire, the key questions are becoming urgent. Where are PFAS found? What risks do they pose to public health? And how can individuals hold polluters accountable?

In this article, I’ll explain what PFAS are, how they’ve spread throughout parts of New Hampshire, and what options exist for legal support. If you or someone you love has been affected by PFAS exposure, there may be a path to justice—with the PFAS guidance from services like Legal Claim Assistant.

Do I Qualify?
Table of Contents:

What are PFAS and why are they a concern in New Hampshire?

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, oil, stains, and water. You’ll find them in non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, fast-food wrappers, and stain-resistant fabrics. But their strength is also their danger—PFAS don’t break down naturally. That’s why they are often called “forever chemicals.”

In New Hampshire, PFAS have made headlines due to contaminated drinking water supplies, particularly in the southern part of the state. Towns like Merrimack, Litchfield, Portsmouth, and others have been affected by PFAS linked to industrial activity and firefighting foam use. The Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics facility in Merrimack is one of the most notable examples, where emissions and waste handling reportedly contributed to widespread PFAS contamination.

In response, New Hampshire has passed strict standards for PFAS in drinking water, among the most protective in the nation. The Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has also launched state-funded testing and long-term health monitoring for impacted communities.

Where are PFAS found in New Hampshire?

PFAS can be found in multiple settings across New Hampshire:

  • Industrial facilities: Factories that used PFAS in plastics, textiles, or coatings may have released these chemicals into air and water.

  • Military bases and airports: Firefighting foam used in training exercises at sites like Pease Air Force Base has led to groundwater contamination.

  • Landfills and wastewater plants: PFAS from consumer products can leach into the soil and groundwater from landfills or be present in biosolids used in agriculture.

  • Private wells: Rural areas depending on well water are especially vulnerable, as PFAS can migrate underground over time.

Because of New Hampshire’s industrial history and reliance on private wells, PFAS contamination does not follow a single pattern. Local monitoring programs have been key in identifying hot spots and informing public health responses.

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PFAS in New Hampshire drinking water

PFAS in drinking water is one of the most pressing public health concerns in New Hampshire. Municipal systems and private wells have tested above safe levels, especially in areas around Merrimack, Bedford, Litchfield, and parts of the Seacoast region.

New Hampshire has set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for four PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS. These legal limits are stricter than current federal guidelines. NHDES continues to monitor water systems and offers free testing for qualifying residents.

Water filtration systems like activated carbon and reverse osmosis are commonly used to remove PFAS. Some communities have installed public filtration infrastructure, while homeowners have had to pay for private systems. In many cases, those affected are also seeking legal compensation for costs and health concerns related to PFAS exposure.

PFAS in New Hampshire soil and agriculture

PFAS don’t only affect drinking water. They also accumulate in soil. In New Hampshire, PFAS contamination has been detected in fields where biosolids from wastewater treatment plants were applied as fertilizer.

This raises concerns for farmers and gardeners about possible uptake in crops or harm to livestock. While research is ongoing, state officials encourage caution. Testing of agricultural soil and irrigation sources may help determine PFAS risks in specific locations.

Local food systems matter deeply in New Hampshire. That’s why protecting farmland from chemical buildup is critical to both health and economy.

Health effects of PFAS exposure

PFAS exposure over time has been linked to a range of health problems. Because these chemicals can stay in the body for years, even small amounts may build up and affect internal systems.

Studies have suggested links between PFAS and:

  • Immune system effects

  • Liver damage and elevated cholesterol

  • Reproductive issues and pregnancy complications

  • Kidney and testicular cancer

  • Thyroid disorders

In New Hampshire, residents living near known contamination zones are advised to speak with their doctors and consider blood testing if symptoms arise. The state is participating in long-term health studies to better understand how PFAS affect local populations.

PFAS-linked diseases in New Hampshire

Though scientific research continues, several diseases have raised concerns in New Hampshire communities with high PFAS exposure:

Kidney cancer – Detected in people with long-term exposure to PFOA in drinking water. This cancer often progresses slowly, making early detection key.

Testicular cancer – Seen in both military and civilian populations exposed to firefighting foam and industrial waste.

Thyroid disease – PFAS can interfere with thyroid hormone regulation, leading to fatigue, weight changes, or other metabolic symptoms.

Liver damage – PFAS may elevate liver enzymes and disrupt cholesterol and fat processing in the body.

Local clinics and researchers have documented these patterns in affected areas. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and speak with healthcare providers about screening.

How New Hampshire is responding to PFAS

New Hampshire has taken an aggressive stance on PFAS. In 2019, the state passed some of the strictest PFAS drinking water standards in the U.S. It also launched an ambitious testing and remediation program supported by both state funds and federal assistance.

Key actions include:

  • Mandatory testing of public water systems

  • State-funded filtration systems for affected households

  • Litigation against manufacturers to recover cleanup costs

  • Ongoing health studies and community outreach

The New Hampshire Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund helps support many of these efforts. Meanwhile, residents are increasingly active in demanding accountability and transparency.

Can you test your water or soil for PFAS in New Hampshire?

Yes. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) provides guidance on how to test private wells. Testing is available through certified labs, and in many cases, the state covers the cost if you’re in an affected area.

Soil testing is more specialized, but agricultural properties or sites near landfills or airports may benefit from sampling. Local extension services can provide resources.

If results show contamination above safe levels, installing a filtration system may be necessary. You can also consider legal options to recover costs or damages.

Do you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit in New Hampshire?

You may qualify if:

  • You live or lived near a known contamination site

  • Your water tested above state or federal PFAS limits

  • You experienced health issues tied to PFAS exposure

  • You paid for water treatment or medical care as a result

Legal Claim Assistant offers a free case review and can connect you with attorneys experienced in PFAS litigation. Whether you are a homeowner, renter, or property owner, you may have legal rights if you were exposed to PFAS in New Hampshire.

Why choose Legal Claim Assistant

Taking legal action over PFAS is complex. Legal Claim Assistant simplifies the process. They help you gather records, understand your rights, and work with law firms that specialize in environmental lawsuits.

Their network has helped individuals across the U.S. take on powerful polluters. If PFAS exposure in New Hampshire has affected your life, they may be able to help you too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Check the NHDES PFAS testing map or contact your town’s health department.

Use filters such as activated carbon or reverse osmosis. Some communities offer system support through state funding.

Yes. Children may be more vulnerable to developmental effects. Pregnant individuals are also at higher risk.

Talk to your doctor and consider a blood test. Then request a free legal case review to see if you qualify for compensation.

Yes. Biosolids and irrigation water may carry PFAS. Testing your soil and water can help protect crops and livestock.

You may be able to file a lawsuit if you can demonstrate that PFAS from a specific source caused or contributed to your illness or property harm. Each situation is different, so the best approach is to consult a specialized PFAS attorney. Resources like Legal Claim Assistant can help by connecting you to legal experts for a free case review.

Whether you are testing your well or worrying about possible exposures, you do not have to face PFAS contamination alone. By staying informed and seeking professional guidance, you can protect yourself and your family while supporting broader efforts to reduce contamination throughout West Virginia. If you want to learn how PFAS contamination compares in other regions, you can explore resources like in Virginia and Georgia.

Find out if you're eligible and may be eligible for compensation.
Get your Free Case Review and Maximize You Payout With the Help From Legal Claim Assistant.
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Overview PFAS contamination in the USA

Here you van find the PFAS watercontamination map of the United States. Find, state by state, where water contamination has occurred due to PFAS exposure.

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